personal property inventory | National Inventory Certification Association

10 Mar 2021

Folsom, California Inventory Professional Achieves Industry Designation

The National Inventory Certification Association congratulates member Cynthia Breazeale for achieving the Certified Inventory Specialist designation.

PRESS RELEASE – The National Inventory Certification Association (NICA) is pleased to announce that Cynthia Breazeale, owner of Trusted Inventory, has recently earned the designation of Certified Inventory Specialist (CIS). Achieving this designation confirms she has gained knowledge and experience to provide professional residential and small business contents inventory services.

To earn the CIS designation, Ms. Breazeale successfully completed industry-specific courses developed by NICA, agreed to conduct business according to the asset industry Code of Ethics, and accumulated the required number of Continuing Education Units. She then passed the Certification Exam, which is the final step in achieving this designation.

There is a growing awareness of the necessity and benefits of having a prepared photographic and written record of one’s personal property. This knowledge and the ever-increasing busy lifestyles of homeowners and business owners alike create a growing demand for a professional inventory service provider.

Having an industry certification is not required for the contents inventory industry. However, choosing to invest in continuing education shows a desire to learn and excel as an inventory professional. Earning these credentials informs clients that Ms. Breazeale has gone the extra mile to ensure that she provides quality inventory services for homeowners, renters, and business owners.

The key reason for entering this industry is summed up nicely by her: “The emotional toll resulting from tragic events eclipses the ability for a person to recall the sum total of the contents of their home or business. As a result, the insurance settlement process is slowed significantly and often falls far short of replacing hard-earned possessions.”

Based in Folsom, California, Trusted Inventory provides residential and business asset inventory services in northern California. For more information, visit https://trustedinventory.com.

06 Sep 2017

Pennsylvania Inventory Professional Achieves Appraisal Examiner Certification

The National Inventory Certification Association announces that member Lavon Kearney has earned the designation of Certified Appraisal Examiner.

PRESS RELEASE – The National Inventory Certification Association (NICA) is pleased to announce that Lavon Kearney, owner of Serenity Assured Inventory Solution, has recently earned the designation of Certified Appraisal Examiner (CAE).

Growth of the personal property inventory industry has created an opportunity for contents inventory professionals to serve as Appraisal Examiners. The purpose of a CAE designation is to establish recognition for this specialized service. This certification provides the education and the credentials needed to properly assist appraisers.

This enables appraisal firms to locate and subcontract certified, qualified examiners to assist with the collection of descriptions and photos of items to be appraised. The appraisers are then able to create an accurate Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) compliant certified report from this information provided by the inventory professional. Additionally, the home inventory professional is able to grow their businesses through additional revenue opportunities.

When completing an inventory service for residential and commercial clients, the inventory professional is often asked if they know the value of items, or if they can refer an appraiser. The CAE designation signifies that these contents inventory professionals have the knowledge required to collect and then submit the necessary information for an appraiser to assign value. This allows for a two-way referral opportunity between these two industries.

To help ensure that the inventory service provider is prepared to serve the appraisal industry, the NICA Education Committee, consisting of NICA members, an established property appraiser, and the Association Directors, determined the requirements to achieve an Appraiser Examiner Certification.

Only those who have earned their Certified Inventory Expert (CIE) or Certified Inventory Specialist (CIS) designation are eligible to apply for this additional level. The inventory professional is also required to successfully complete the Customer Service and Appraisal Examiner courses, plus an elective chosen from the NICA curriculum. The Appraisal Examiner course was co-written by a property appraiser to ensure integrity and provide hands-on processes for accurate collection of information.

Lavon stated, “Whether someone wants just one item appraised, a few items, or a whole house, I am now able to confidently and professionally collect the information and forward it to a USPAP certified appraiser. I am very excited about this additional service I can now offer my clients.”

Based in Export, Pennsylvania, Serenity Assured Inventory Solution offers residential and business asset inventory services to the metropolitan Pittsburgh area.

13 Apr 2017

Indiana Member Earns Appraisal Examiner Certification

National Education Association congratulates member Kate LeGrand for achieving Appraisal Examiner Certification.

PRESS RELEASE – The National Inventory Certification Association™ (NICA) is pleased to announce that Kate LeGrand, Certified Inventory Specialist and owner of Capital Counts Inventory, has recently earned the additional designation of Certified Appraisal Examiner (CAE).

The growth of the personal property inventory industry has created an opportunity for contents inventory professionals to serve as an Appraisal Examiner. This certification provides the credentials to assist appraisers by collecting the required information they need to create an accurate Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) compliant certified report. The purpose of a CAE designation is to establish recognition for this specialized service, providing the opportunity for appraisal firms to locate certified, qualified examiners, and for Certified NICA members to grow their businesses through additional revenue opportunities.

When completing an inventory service for residential and commercial clients, the inventory professional is often asked if they know the value of items, or if they can refer an appraiser. The CAE designation signifies that these inventory professionals have the knowledge and information required to collect and provide the necessary information for an appraiser to assign value. This allows for a two-way referral opportunity between these two industries.

Kate commented, “This certification enables me to expand Capital Counts Inventory‘s service offerings and serve more needs. For example, if an executor asks the estate attorney to refer an inventory professional to document the estate’s contents, and also an appraiser to value specific items, we can serve both needs. This enables the client and attorney to work with just one professional instead of two.”

To help ensure that the inventory service provider is prepared to serve the appraisal industry, the NICA Education Committee determined the requirements to achieve an Appraiser Examiner Certification. Only those who have earned their Certified Inventory Expert (CIE) or Certified Inventory Specialist (CIS) designation can apply for this additional level. They are also required to successfully complete the Customer Service and Appraisal Examiner courses, plus an elective chosen from the NICA curriculum. This Committee included Members of NICA, an established property appraiser, and the Association Directors.

Based in Plainfield, Indiana, Capital Counts Inventory offers examiner appraisal, business, and home inventory services in the State of Indiana.

24 Mar 2017

Michigan Member Earns Certified Appraisal Examiner Designation

Tim Edwards, Certified Inventory Expert and owner of Elite Inventory, recently achieved the designation of Certified Appraisal Examiner.

PRESS RELEASE – The National Inventory Certification Association™ (NICA) congratulates Tim Edwards, owner of Michigan-based Elite Inventory, for recently earning the designation of Certified Appraisal Examiner (CAE).

When completing an inventory service for residential and commercial clients, the inventory professional is often asked if they know the value of items, or if they can refer an appraiser. The CAE designation signifies that these contents inventory professionals have the knowledge and information required to collect and provide the necessary information for an appraiser to assign value. This allows for a two-way referral opportunity between these two industries.

To help ensure that the inventory service provider is prepared to serve the appraisal industry, the Association’s Education Committee determined the requirements to achieve an Appraiser Examiner Certification. Only those who have earned their Certified Inventory Expert (CIE) or Certified Inventory Specialist (CIS) designation can apply for this additional level. They are also required to successfully complete the Customer Service and Appraisal Examiner courses, plus an elective, chosen from the NICA curriculum. This Committee included Members of NICA, an established property appraiser, and the Association Directors.

Edwards commented, “I am often asked if I provide appraisals in addition to my home and business personal property inventory services. This certification provided the knowledge and expertise I need to collect the information an appraiser requires. This saves my client time, by not having to schedule another appointment with an appraiser. It also saves them money, as I have already collected the information during my inventory service. This new working relationship with the appraisal community is a win for both industries and our clients.”

Based in Clarkston, Michigan, Elite Inventory offers appraisal examiner services as well as residential and business asset inventory services in the state of Michigan and neighboring states.

22 Mar 2017

Indiana Members Achieve Appraisal Examiner Certification

Members Mike and Cindy Hartman achieve the designation of Certified Appraisal Examiner.

PRESS RELEASE – The National Inventory Certification Association™ (NICA) is pleased to announce that Mike and Cindy Hartman, owners of Indiana-based Hartman Inventory, have recently earned the designation of Certified Appraisal Examiner (CAE).

The growth of the personal property inventory industry has created an opportunity for personal property inventory professionals to serve as an Appraisal Examiner. This certification provides the credentials to assist appraisers by collecting the required information they need to create an accurate Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) compliant certified report. The purpose of a CAE designation is to establish recognition for this specialized service, providing the opportunity for appraisal firms to locate certified, qualified examiners, and for Certified NICA members to grow their businesses through additional revenue opportunities.

When completing an inventory service for residential and commercial clients, the inventory professional is often asked if they know the value of items, or if they can refer an appraiser. The CAE designation signifies that these contents inventory professionals have the knowledge and information required to collect and provide the necessary information for an appraiser to assign value. This allows for a two-way referral opportunity between these two industries.

Owner Mike Hartman states, “We have been providing personal property inventory services since 2004. This certification brings a credential to us individually, and to our company, that will help us serve a larger market – not only our clients but also the appraisal industry.”

To help ensure that the inventory service provider is prepared to serve the appraisal industry, the NICA Education Committee determined the requirements to achieve an Appraiser Examiner Certification.Only those who have earned their Certified Inventory Expert (CIE) or Certified Inventory Specialist (CIS) designation can apply for this additional level. They are also required to successfully complete the Customer Service and Appraisal Examiner courses, plus an elective, chosen from the NICA curriculum. This Committee included Members of NICA, an established property appraiser, and the Association Directors.

Based in Avon, Indiana, Hartman Inventory offers residential and business asset inventory services throughout the United States.

09 Mar 2017

Central Indiana Asset Inventory Professional Achieves Certification

The National Inventory Certification Association congratulates member Kate LeGrand for achieving the designation of Certified Inventory Specialist.

The National Inventory Certification Association™ (NICA) is pleased to announce that Kate LeGrand, owner of Capital Counts Inventory, has recently earned the designation of Certified Inventory Specialist (CIS).

There is an increasing awareness of the necessity and benefits of having a prepared photographic and written record of one’s personal property. This knowledge and the ever-increasing busy lifestyles of homeowners and business owners alike create a growing demand for a professional inventory service provider.

To earn this certification, LeGrand passed required courses developed by NICA, achieved a required number of Continuing Education Units, completed an established number of inventories, and agreed to conduct business according to the asset industry Code of Ethics.

A professional certification is not required for the asset inventory professional. By choosing to invest in continuing education shows LeGrand’s desire to ensure that she provides quality inventory services. LeGrand stated, “My background is in accounting. Over the years I have seen many small business owners who don’t know the value of their assets. My focus will be providing my inventory services for these busy business owners as well as homeowners.”

Choosing to achieve the CIS designation through the National Inventory Certification Association, LeGrand exhibits a desire to show residential and commercial clients and potential clients that she is a dedicated professional. Cindy Hartman, Managing Director of NICA, explained, “Kate is a financial expert, and coming from that industry, which requires continuing education, she realizes that education is essential when you want to put the client first.”

Based in Plainfield, Indiana, LeGrand provides residential and commercial asset inventory services throughout central Indiana. Included in the residential inventories are specialties of Collectibles and Estate Inventory Services.

25 Jan 2017

Appraisal Examiner Course

The National Inventory Certification Association has recently released the course, Appraisal Examiner. This is the foundation course for the Appraisal Examiner Certification Program (CAE).

To enable our members and other personal property inventory professionals to achieve their desired education for this industry, this course and all courses provided by NICA, are online and self-directed. This allows the participants to complete their courses all in one sitting or take one module at a time, depending on their time constraints. Associate Member Ray Nugent of Nugent Appraisal Services, co-wrote this Continuing Education course.

When completing an inventory service for residential and commercial clients, the home inventory professional is often asked if they know the value of items, or if they can refer a professional appraiser. Developing a working relationship between appraisers and inventory service providers will help both professionals serve the other.

This course presents the many benefits for a personal property inventory professional to become an appraisal examiner, the examiner’s responsibilities, and appraisal industry terms. Also included are the specifics required by appraisers to enable them to complete a thorough appraisal of each item.

The participant will also learn how to market their examiner service directly to the client and to a variety of professionals who could become referral sources for a continued revenue stream.

Module 1: Why Become An Appraisal Examiner

Reasons for Appraisals
Value Added Service
Additional Revenue Stream

Module 2: Understanding Your Role As An Examiner

Terms
Remote Appraisals
The Examiner’s Responsibilities

Module 3: Processes Of The Examiner

Documenting the Items
Descriptions and Images
Information Delivery

Module 4: Marketing Your Examiner Service

Direct Marketing
Referral Sources

The information that the home inventory professional will be required to collect when serving as an appraisal examiner is provided in great detail in this course. Once you complete the course, you will have ongoing access to this information so you can review and reference the material as necessary.

To register for this course, visit the Professional Development page of the NICA website.

04 Jan 2017

Collections Inventory Course Authored by Home Inventory Professional

NICA member authored a course for the National Inventory Certification Association’s Continuing Education Program.

The National Inventory Certification Association (NICA) recently released an online, self-directed course, titled Collections Inventory. Extending the Continuing Education Program curriculum, this course was written by Tricia Hoekwater, Certified member of NICA and owner of Uniquely Yours Digital Solutions.

The association seeks to provide continuing education for members and others in the industry. The growing trend of having valuables and collectibles documented encouraged the creation of the Collections Inventory course. Often business and residential clients are not seeking an inventory of all their assets, but want to have an itemized inventory of their collectibles, such as figurines, stamps, weapons, artwork, books, sports memorabilia, etc. Others who choose to hire a home inventory professional to document all the belongings in their home also want the collectibles documented item-by-item, which is a more specialized service.

Collections Inventory Course

Cindy Hartman, Managing Director of NICA, stated, “Tricia is a member of the association and has extensive experience in providing itemized inventories for client’s collectibles. I was pleased when she agreed to share her experience and knowledge with the entire industry by authoring this course.” Topics include the purposes for collections inventories, examples of how to document specific types of collectibles, process strategies, and how to market a collections inventory service. Creating a collections inventory can be overwhelming. This course breaks it down into manageable steps to ensure a quality result for the client.

Hoekwater views her membership in NICA as an opportunity to serve the asset inventory industry. She explained, “I always strive to provide the best service to my clients, which is why I became a Certified Inventory Specialist. NICA is a resource for continued learning, which has helped me grow professionally and financially. Writing this course gave me the opportunity to help fellow home inventory professionals pursue this specialty.”

In addition to providing comprehensive home inventory, collections inventory, decluttering, photo archiving, and paper management services, Tricia speaks to senior and community groups on the topics of Home Inventory, DeCluttering, Digital Legacy, and Digital Photo Libraries. For more information, call 925.206.0103 or visit Uniquely Yours Digital Solutions.

Click on this link to purchase the online, self-directed Collections Inventory course, which is available on the NICA website.

07 Dec 2016

Ohio Personal Property Inventory Professional Achieves Certification

The National Inventory Certification Association congratulates member Gina Wagner for achieving the designation of Certified Inventory Specialist.

The National Inventory Certification Association™ (NICA) is pleased to announce that Gina Wagner, owner of Wagner’s Inventory Services LLC in Brooklyn, Ohio, has recently earned the designation of Certified Inventory Specialist (CIS). Achieving this designation confirms her knowledge to provide quality residential and small business contents inventory services.

To earn this certification, Wagner passed specified continuing education courses developed by NICA, agreed to conduct business according to the asset industry Code of Ethics, and accumulated a required number of Continuing Education Units. There is an increasing awareness of the necessity and benefits of having a prepared photographic and written record of one’s personal property. This knowledge and the ever-increasing busy lifestyles of homeowners and business owners alike create a growing demand for a professional inventory service provider.

Achieving certification is not required for the contents inventory professional. By choosing to invest in continuing education shows Wagner’s desire to learn the industry and let her clients know that she has gone the extra mile to ensure she provides quality inventory services. Wagner explained, “I believe in serving clients with professionalism and excellence. Having achieved my CIS designation helps show my dedication to my clients, my company, and the industry.”

Mike Hartman, Executive Director of NICA, said, “I was impressed the first time I met Gina. You can hear her excitement about this industry in her voice. Having narrowly missed a house fire really drove the need for an inventory home to her. She now is on a crusade to teach others of the need for this service.” We are pleased to have her as a certified member of our association.”

Based in Brooklyn, Ohio, Wagner’s Inventory Services offers residential and business asset inventory services to the Cleveland Metro Area and all of Northeast Ohio.

06 Jun 2016

NICA Member Tricia Hoekwater Authors Project Management Course

NICA member Tricia Hoekwater, certified in Project Management and Asset Inventory, authored the Project Management Course for the home inventory industry’s Continuing Education Program.

PRESS RELEASE – It is imperative that the National Inventory Certification Association (NICA) contract with qualified authors to create online, self-directed courses for the Continuing Education Program. The most recently released course, Project Management, was created by Tricia Hoekwater, a member of NICA, who is certified as a Project Management Professional, a Certified Inventory Specialist, and owner of Uniquely Yours Digital Solutions.

“We thought it would be difficult to locate someone with experience in both the Project Management and the Home Inventory sectors, who also has the writing skills required to create a quality course. We are very fortunate to find this in one of our certified members,” NICA Managing Director, Cindy Hartman said. With the asset inventory industry mind, Hoekwater included examples of how specific steps throughout the project can be applied specifically to personal property inventory projects. However, the course is written with the intent to serve any professional who seeks to gain the knowledge required to manage projects that will help ensure a successful result.

Tricia earned her PMP certification in 2008 from the Project Management Institute. Prior to achieving certification, she studied Project Management at U.C. Berkeley and received an honors certificate in Project Management. Tricia shared her background by stating, “I have worked as a Project Manager since the late 90’s in a variety of industries including law, telecom, digital media consulting, direct sales, and the cruise industry.” She used the certification professionally in website development, facilities management, marketing projects, and most recently as an Inventory Professional in the San Francisco Bay area.

What ended up merging these two interests began in 2006 when Hoekwater experienced a home robbery. She practiced as an inventory professional indirectly when she had to put her project management skills to work.Tricia explained, “I had to identify what was lost, create an items lost inventory for insurance and the police report, and then subsequently, created an inventory of my personal assets where none existed before.”

In 2008 during the weak economy, Hoekwater lost her project management position and was unable to find replacement work in the private sector. She discovered an 11-week mini-MBA program (Women’s Initiative for Self-Employment) and launched her home inventory business 30 days after graduation.

Many home and business inventory professionals fear taking on a large inventory project due to a lack of knowledge in tackling a multi-unit or multi-property opportunity. As an inventory professional, Hoekwater uses her project management skills to assist in identifying her clients’ needs, developing the contract and managing her team of onsite and back-end support – all necessary to successfully complete a project.

Hoekwater sees the value in continuing education, which encouraged her to accept the course-writing project. She concluded, “In an ongoing quest to provide the best service to my clients, I became a Certified Inventory Specialist. Having NICA as a resource for continued learning has been so gratifying to me and helped me grow professionally and financially. My business has always been about helping people document their assets, minimize paper, and have an organized system for tracking their assets. Writing this course gave me the opportunity to assist others in this industry.”

In addition to Home Inventory services, Tricia speaks to senior and community groups on the topics of Home Inventory, DeCluttering, Digital Legacy, and Digital Photo Libraries.

The online, self-directed Project Management course will be available by mid-June on the Professional Development page of the NICA website.

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Collections Inventory Course