About Us
Property Appraisal and Liquidation
Collette Brown is an Accredited Member (AM) of the International Society of Appraisers (ISA) with 20+ years of experience in the antique and estate liquidation business. Her appraisal specialty is in Household Content for taxes, equitable separation of property due to death or divorce, insurance, charitable donations or estate planning. She is USPAP certified. Ms. Brown specializes in, but is not limited to, the appraisal of antiques, collectibles, business contents, and residential contents. She can also help you with your estate liquidation and high-end auction needs.
Credentials
Her appraisal specialty is Household Content for taxes, equitable separation of property due to death or divorce, insurance, charitable donations, or estate planning. She is USPAP certified through 2026.
Ms. Brown specializes in, but is not limited to, the appraisal of antiques, collectibles and residential contents. She can also help you with your estate liquidation and high-end auction needs.
- Owner ACE Appraisals, Consultations & Estate Services, Inc. 2006 – Present
- Collette’s Collectibles & Antiques, 1998 - 2025
- Estate Liquidation Services, 2001 – Present
- Sales Associate, Antique Experience, Denton, Texas, 2003 – Present
- Worthpoint - Worthologist, (Online Appraisal Consultant), 2013-2014
- Featured Editorial Writer – Keller Williams Reality Elite Sales Program
- Guest Appraiser at the Great Big Texas Home Show, Fort Worth, 2013
- Guest Appraiser at the Roanoke Appraisal Fair, 2012, 2013 & 2014
- Guest Speaker at Robson Ranch Appraisal Day 2010
- Sales Associate, Looking Glass Antique Mall, Lewisville, Texas, 2000-2003
Coursework & Education
- Graduated Fredericksburg High School, 1978
- Computer Programmer, VTAM Group, Texas Instruments, 1979-1986
- Bachelor of Science in Math & Computer Science, 1984, University of Texas at Dallas.
- Course: American Indian Southwest Jewelry, Pottery & Spanish Colonial Furniture, 2006.
- Course: International Society of Appraisers Core Course in Appraisal Studies, -- July 2006.
- Course: Cracked Pots & Glass Shards, Identifying 17th, 18th & 19th Century -- Ceramics & Glass, February 2007.
- Course: The ABC’s of East Asian Art: Mid 19th-21st Century Orientalia, Part 2 -- February 2008.
- Course: Introduction to Jewelry, January 2009.
- Course: International Society of Appraisers Advanced Residential Content, 5/2009.
- Course: Successfully completed a 15-hour course and examination on the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP), the Congressionally-recognized set of appraisal standards promulgated by The Appraisal Foundation: Re-qualified through 2026.
- Course: The Arts of China, Lark Mason, September 2013.
- Course: ISA Core Course in Appraisal Studies, Requalification 2014
- Course: Texas Art, Trends & History of painters from 1860-1970, 2017
- Course: Fine Silver: Looking at Silver through the eye of an Auction Specialist, 2017
- Course: Appraising in the World of High-Net-Worth Individuals, 2018
- Course: Requalify International Society of Appraiser Core Course In Appraisal Studies, 2022
Collette Brown
Accredited Member of the International Society of Appraisers, USPAP Accredited
My Journey in Running Estate Sales
Estate sales have always been more than just a passion of mine; they represent a unique blend of history, discovery, and human connection. My journey into the world of estate sales began many years ago with my sister Collette Brown. We both come by our innate curiosity naturally, driven by our father Dale McHalek, whose desire to find hidden treasures was unparalleled.
I graduated from Fredericksburg High School in 1980 and have a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and Marketing from The University of the Ozarks, a small religious college in Clarksville AR. I was very fortunate to work in Management for Brookshire Grocery Company, who taught me the value of jump over the counter customer service. This skill is something I value and use daily. I later worked as Market VP for Flowers Baking Company in Oklahoma, the Texas Panhandle, and part of New Mexico. I have worked for Gillespie County for the past three years with my most recent position being Facility Maintenance Director.
Determined to turn my passion into a profession, I began attending estate sales regularly as well as working with my sister at her sales in the Dallas area. I observed seasoned professionals, took notes on pricing strategies, and familiarized myself with various types of collectibles and antiques. I also invested time in researching market trends and understanding the legalities involved in conducting estate sales.
My experience in running estate sales has been a fulfilling and enriching journey. It has taught me the value of perseverance, empathy, and continuous learning. Each sale is an opportunity to explore history and meet fascinating people. I am grateful for the experiences and lessons that have shaped my career, and I look forward to many years of serving our clients with the upmost professionalism.
Jeff McHalek
