How to Choose an Antique Appraiser

There are many reasons you might need to get an appraisal on an antique. For example, you might want to sell the piece and need to be sure you are getting a fair price. You might want to insure the piece and need to know its value to ensure it is adequately covered. Or you might want to donate the piece and need to know how much you can claim as a tax deduction. In any case, you need a professional antique appraiser.

Instructions

1. Consult professional appraisal organizations. Societies that educate and accredit appraisers, like appraisers.org and The Appraisal Foundation, can be found online and have information on how to tell an accredited appraiser from one who is not. They also can give you a list of their members in your area.

2. Interview the appraiser. Ask him why he is qualified, and ask to see his certification paperwork. Determine his fee up front, and ask what that fee covers.

3. Make sure the fee includes a typewritten report including why the appraisal was performed, a detailed description of the item, and where and when the appraisal took place. The appraiser also should state in the report that he is not interested in any monetary gain from the antique piece he appraised. The report should be signed and list the appraiser's credentials and qualifications.

4. Understand what to avoid. First, never hire an appraiser whose fee is based on a percentage of the value of the item she is appraising. An appraiser's fees should depend on her hourly rate, her credentials and her experience in the field.

5. Never accept an appraisal report that is unsigned or handwritten. Make sure the appraiser is willing to stand by his appraisal if questions arise from, for example, an insurer, a buyer or the IRS. Avoid an appraiser who claims to be knowledgeable about all forms of antiques. A legitimate appraiser will not hesitate to consult an expert if she is not knowledgeable about the type of item being appraised.

Tips & Warnings

• Talk to more than one appraiser before deciding whom to hire.

• Ask for personal references, and talk to the people who provided them.

• An appraisal should not include the item's sentimental value.

• A good appraiser needs to examine the item personally to give an accurate estimation of its worth. For that reason, avoid online appraisers.

References

• The International Society of Appraisers; Be Certain of its Value
• The Appraisal Foundation: Authorized by Congress as the Source of Appraisal Standards and Appraiser Qulifications