Will antique dealers come out to a person's home? This question explains how antique dealers come out to people's homes to examine their valuables. Claudia Reese, who has been studying and selling antiques...
Claudia Reese, who has been studying and selling antiques for 20 years, says it is a common practice for an antique dealer to come to someone's home for an appraisal. "Our main goal is to keep people interested in antiques and to help them as much as possible," says Reese, who is the owner of 2nd Time Around Antique Mall in Twin Falls, Idaho. "We are especially interested in helping younger people who want to start collecting so that their heritage is saved."
Anything you can think of has a value, according to the American Society of Appraisers (ASA.). In addition to personal curiosity about a family piece or a recent yard sale find, there are many circumstances in your life that require you to determine the value of things you own. These may be sad times, such as dividing items equitably due to death or divorce. Or they may be happier times such as downsizing to a carefree lifestyle or donating to charity. Written appraisals from accredited appraisers are also proof of value for legal and insurance purposes. Whatever your reasons for having an appraisal, it is probably a good idea to keep it private. It is not relevant to the value of your items, and it can influence an unscrupulous appraiser greatly if he or she thinks you are in a "panic mode." It is never a good idea to let an appraiser buy your items on the spot.
If several items are involved, such as the contents of an entire house, it is important to use an accredited appraiser.
There are many people who call themselves appraisers, but who are not accredited and have no formal training, according to the ASA. The more items you have to appraise, the more important it is to hire an appraiser who is accredited by a reputable valuation organization like the ASA, the Appraisers Association of America, or the International Society of Appraisers. Their members are required to have years of experience, adhere to strict ethical standards, and continue to take educational classes. Accredited appraisers do not make offers to buy.
Even if you use a highly reputable appraiser, consider having a trusted friend or family member with you during the appraisal. Two sets of ears can be better than one when it comes to getting the facts straight.
Do not expect your appraisal to be brief and free. The ASA reports that accredited appraisers take time to research the background of your possessions and understand the market for them. They do not make quick guesses without research. They then submit a detailed written report. These professional services are valuable and deserve a fair monetary compensation. Do not use any appraiser who charges a percent of the value of the appraised items. And avoid any appraiser who offers to buy at the time of the appraisal.
Be sure that you understand clearly what your costs will be, exactly what is included, and when payment is due. Start by being honest with the appraiser about what items he or she will be seeing. Don't say that you only want furniture appraised and then surprise the appraiser with a china cabinet full of dishes that you expect him or her to appraise for free. If your plans change after you make the initial appointment, contact the appraiser. Any business transaction works better if there are no unpleasant surprises on either end.
