Business Details
Trusted Estate Appraisals & Sales Services Since 1980
For over four decades, Century Estate Services has stood as a trusted authority in personal property appraisals and estate administration. Our mission centers on preserving the cultural and historical significance of estates while delivering professional expertise to executors, administrators, and individuals navigating estate settlements. With a foundation built on integrity and a deep understanding of market dynamics, we provide tailored solutions for appraisals, downsizing, and property sales. Our founder, Joseph Zidanic, brings 40 years of specialized experience as a CAGA-certified appraiser, ensuring every valuation aligns with rigorous industry standards. We collaborate with major financial institutions and legal professionals to fulfill fiduciary responsibilities, offering services that include probate appraisals, insurance replacement reports, and expert witness testimony.Our multi-channel sales approachencompassing online auctions, live events, and private treaty salesmaximizes returns for clients while maintaining the dignity and heritage of each estate. Through educational workshops and community engagement, we empower clients with knowledge about estate planning, antique restoration, and heritage conservation. Every service we deliver is rooted in transparency, professionalism, and a commitment to honoring the stories embedded in personal property. As a vertically integrated firm, we streamline estate management processes, combining appraisal precision with strategic sales execution to meet the evolving needs of our clients.
Services
Appraisals
Estate Administration
Online Auctions
Live Auctions
Private Treaty Sales
Antique Restoration
Heritage Conservation
Executor Information Sessions
Downsizing Services
Expert Witness Testimony
Highlights and features
- We offer 40+ years of specialized expertise in estate appraisals and administration.
- Our CAGA-certified appraisers adhere to USPAP standards for accurate valuations.
- We partner with major Canadian banks and legal professionals for fiduciary compliance.
- Our multi-channel sales approach maximizes returns through online and live auctions.
- We provide educational resources on estate planning and heritage conservation.
Associations and certifications
- Certified Appraisers Guild of America (CAGA)
Services
Appraisals
Our certified appraisers deliver precise valuations for estate probate, equitable distribution, and insurance purposes. We assess antiques, fine art, jewelry, and collectibles, adhering to USPAP standards. Each report includes detailed research, photographic documentation, and market analysis to ensure accuracy and compliance with fiduciary requirements.
Estate Administration
We guide executors through complex estate settlements with professional appraisal reports and strategic advice. Our services support equitable asset distribution, tax compliance, and fulfillment of legal obligations. We collaborate with lawyers and accountants to streamline administrative processes while preserving the estate's heritage.
Online Auctions
Our online platform connects sellers with North American buyers through competitive bidding. Advanced marketing ensures broad visibility for items ranging from household goods to high-value antiques. This method offers convenience, transparency, and fair market returns without geographical limitations.
Live Auctions
Traditional live auctions create urgency and excitement for selling personal property. We host themed sales and multi-consignor events, attracting a loyal buyer base through targeted advertising. This approach ensures liquidity and competitive pricing for both common and specialty items.
Private Treaty Sales
Discreet sales solutions cater to unique or high-value items requiring extended marketing periods. We facilitate negotiations between sellers and qualified buyers, ensuring confidentiality while maximizing returns. This method is ideal for niche collections or estates needing personalized attention.
People
Joseph Zidanic
Founder & Certified Appraiser
With over 40 years of experience, Joseph Zidanic is a CAGA-certified appraiser renowned for expertise in estate administration and heritage conservation. He has led high-profile auctions, provided expert testimony, and educated executors on estate planning while championing community engagement through appraisal events.
Questions
What appraisal services do you offer?
We provide probate, fair market value, insurance replacement, and expert witness appraisals for antiques, art, jewelry, and collectibles, adhering to USPAP standards.
How do your estate administration services work?
We assist executors with valuations, asset distribution, and compliance, collaborating with legal and financial professionals to ensure efficient, heritage-conscious estate settlements.
What sales options are available?
Choose from online auctions, live auctions, or private treaty sales to suit your needs for visibility, urgency, or confidentiality in selling personal property.
Are your appraisers certified?
Yes, our team includes CAGA-certified appraisers who follow rigorous industry standards for accuracy and professionalism in all valuations.
Do you work with financial institutions?
We partner with major Canadian banks and trust companies, providing trusted appraisal services to fulfill fiduciary responsibilities in estate settlements.
