Appraising Tips
Read these 5 Appraising Tips tips to make your life smarter, better, faster and wiser. Each tip is approved by our Editors and created by expert writers so great we call them Gurus. LifeTips is the place to go when you need to know about Antique tips and hundreds of other topics.
Where to Find
People often use appraisals to help insure an object or collection against damage and theft.
Depending on where you live, appraisers will charge between seventy-five and four-hundred dollars per hour. Plus you'll have to pay the appraiser's travel expenses and research fees. So you might as well have a few items appraised at one time.
When looking for an appraiser, word of mouth is the best way, or most banks use appraisers all the time. Try asking a bank trust officer.
Do Your Homework
Given that knowledge is king in the world of purchasing, begin your quest for knowledge by learning the furniture periods. Classes are the best way to learn. Next, spend a day at an antique auction. Ask questions during inspection time. You'll see hundreds of items pass over the block in hours. Next, use your knowledge to negotiate with shops.
Cover up Scams.
The new trend in valuation overemphasizes condition. A 10% valuation is now as much as 50% for a chip or knick. With money on the line, new "cover-up" techniques are being developed to hide condition devaluation, so beware.
Associations
Two organizations with a nationwide network of members that can help you on your search for an appraiser:
American Society of Appraisers [800-ASA-VALUE]
www.appraisers.org
Appraisers Association of America [212-889-5404]
www.appraisersassoc.org
Precaution
Be leery of an appraiser who will give a definite appraisal from a photograph or verbal description. Accurate appraisals need to be done in person.
| Guru Spotlight |
| Jerry Mayo |
