How to Get a Fair Antiques Appraisal

You always hope your antiques and collectibles are worth a small fortune. But when you sell or insure an item, you need a more objective opinion of its value. For an accurate estimate, hire a qualified appraiser. Here are some tips for selecting one.

Instructions

1. Hire someone who only appraises--and doesn't want to buy. Someone interested in purchasing your item may give a lower price than a disinterested appraiser.

2. Start with a generalist, especially if you have a variety of items. When necessary, a generalist can refer you to a specialist.

3. Pay according to the work involved. The cost of an appraisal usually is based on the time it takes to inspect and research a piece. An appraiser shouldn't charge a percentage of the value.

4. Ask how the value was reached. A good appraiser relies on several resources and will be glad to share them with you.

5. Be wary of online appraisal offers. An appraisal via the Internet tends to be more of a guesstimate because the appraiser isn't looking at the actual item. That may not be acceptable to your insurance company following a loss.