How to Appraise Items & Furniture for Resale

This key could unlock a lucrative experience should you appraise it well.

Television shows have revealed how valuable treasures can be found anywhere, in many different guises. Your baseball cards lofted high in a dusty attic could literally be worth their weight in gold. As antiques are all the rage these days, many people have entered the appraisal craze. You might indeed strike it rich with some old knickknack. With some know-how behind you, you can successfully appraise your furniture and items at the proper market price.

Instructions

1. Enlist a formal appraiser, yet do so shrewdly. Locating a professional in antiques and consulting her opinion can elucidate the value of an item. However, some appraisers might skew their analysis in an attempt to turn your eyes away from what could actually be a valuable piece. Never sell your item to an appraiser and avoid deals with those who look to charge percentages on what they evaluate. The American Society of Appraisers and the International Society of Appraisers are two organizations that can help you find a professional near you.

2. Steer clear of the Web as a source for an appraisal. A proper analysis of an item or furniture can only take place in person by an expert who can physically see and interact with the piece. Virtual auction sites are too prone to knee-jerk figures instead of considered and knowledgeable pricing.

3. Read trustworthy literature to enlighten your judgment. Research the identity and category of your particular item or furniture piece and head to your local library for the most authoritative books on the subject. Perusing a volume can help arm you with knowledge about history, construction and detail -- all important factors in determining an item's worth.

4. Examine your item or piece of furniture with the specificity of a fine-tooth comb. Jot down as many details and idiosyncrasies as you can about the piece, making sure not to neglect even those characteristics that seem too ordinary to represent value. Figure out when the piece was made, who made it, where and as much other basic information as possible. The more intelligently and comprehensively you understand and can speak about an item, the closer you can arrive at a solid appraisal figure for it.

5. Keep your item or furniture intact, as is. Do not wash, clean, repair, reupholster or otherwise alter the object. Doing so can potentially wreak havoc with the ultimate value for the piece. Instead, wait until well after the completion of an appraisal job before considering any "improvements" to the good.

6. Avoid devaluing damaged goods. Just because a piece is chipped, broken or worn down does not mean it will necessarily be worth any less.

7. Take your time. Rushing a piece to the market after a too-quick appraisal can sometimes mean you're ignoring what could be a more valuable item. Consult as many experts as possible before attempting to sell.

References

• CNN Money; Treasure or Trash? 10 Ways to Find Out; Leslie Haggin Geary; June 2002
• Antique HQ; Antique Appraisal -- How to Appraise Antiques and Collectibles Like a Pro
• Palagems; How to Choose a Jewelry Appraiser; Charles Ellias; 1999

Resources

• American Society of Appraisers
• International Society of Appraisers