Questions to Inquire Before Hiring an Antique Auctioneer or Appraiser
Are you in need of professional antique appraisal services or an auctioneer for your antique collection or inherited estate? It’s essential to ensure that you’re working with an expert in the field who can get you the best value for your pieces. Before hiring an auctioneer or appraiser, there are several questions you should ask to ensure they’re the right expert for you.
# -1 Have They Appraised Similar Antiques?
Firstly, ask if they have appraised similar antiques before. Being an appraiser doesn’t automatically mean they have experience with the type of antiques you own. Practical experience is often more valuable than theoretical knowledge.
# -2 Are They Seasoned Antique Auctioneers?
Secondly, ensure that the antique auctioneers you’re working with are experienced and have connections with the antique collector community. This will help them bring in people who understand the value of your pieces and bid accordingly.
# -3 Do They Have A Good Reputation?
Thirdly, research their reputation online, talk to others who have had estate auctions, and ask any collectors you know. You can determine if this particular auctioneer or appraiser has a good standing in the community by doing so.
# -4 What Is Their Process?
Fourthly, ask about their process. For example, an appraiser may conduct a visual inspection of your pieces or ask for detailed photographs. An auctioneer may want to preview your items to determine if they’re appropriate for a particular auction or if they would do better in a specialized auction.
# -5 What Are Their Fees?
Fifthly, it’s important to ask about fees upfront. Understanding the fees involved can help you make an informed decision. Appraisers may charge a flat fee, an hourly rate, or a percentage of the item’s value. Auctioneers may charge a commission on the sale of the item, which can range from 10 to 20 percent or more.
# -6 What Are Their Qualifications?
Sixthly, ask about their qualifications. It’s crucial to work with someone who has the proper qualifications and credentials to appraise or auction your antiques. Appraisers may have certifications from organizations such as the International Society of Appraisers or the American Society of Appraisers. Auctioneers may be licensed by their state and have membership in professional organizations such as the National Auctioneers Association.
# -7 Can They Provide References?
Seventhly, asking for references from past clients can give you an idea of the professional’s experience and how they interact with clients. You can ask for references from similar estate auctions or appraisals to ensure they have experience in your specific area.
# -8 Can They Provide A Written Agreement?
Eighthly, Having a written agreement outlining the scope of work, fees, and timeline can help ensure both parties are on the same page. This agreement can also protect you from potential misunderstandings or disagreements down the road. It’s important to ask if the professional can provide a written agreement and review it carefully before signing.
In conclusion, hiring an antique appraiser or auctioneer can be a great way to ensure you get the most money for your antique collection or inherited estate. However, it’s important to do your research and ask the right questions to ensure you’re working with a qualified professional who has experience in your specific area of antiques. By asking about their experience, process, fees, qualifications, references, and written agreements, you can make an informed decision about who to hire for your antique appraisal or auction.
How to use the internet to research the value of Antique – Antique Appraisal Online
Trying to find the value of an antique online may seem like a good idea, but it’s harder than you might think. The first question you have to ask yourself is where to look. A search for American antique appraisal is going to return thousands of results. Even if you can narrow down the results by type of antique or by a brand name, you’re still going to get many different results. Some of these results may not agree with each other on the value, either. Here are some result types you may come across.
Online Auctions
While some antique sellers rely on local antique buyers for their income, others sell their items online. You may find auctions for items that are very similar to the ones you have. How accurate are those prices? It really depends. Some online sellers do work with reputable antique appraisers, but others may price their items higher or lower than their actual value.
Price Guides
You may also come across online price guides for antiques. These guides may be better than online auctions, but they often either provide a wide price range or assume the condition of the item. They can give you an idea of what your piece might be worth, but that price may not be accurate for a piece in poor condition or one that’s outstanding.
Online Appraisal
Your best bet if you’re using the internet is to look for sites that offer antique appraisal online. These estates auctioneers appraisers usually ask that you submit a number of clear photos of the antique and provide as much information as you possibly can about its condition and history. You’ll need images taken from multiple angles that show every side or part of the item. The appraiser will then send you back their official appraisal and any notes they have on the piece.
What is the Difference Between Antique Appraisal and Valuation?
A fine antique can be seen as a thing of artistic beauty that will enhance the décor of a room. It might represent history that you want to preserve. It might be a family heirloom that has a great deal of sentimental value. On the other hand, it might simply be a valuable item that can be sold for money. In order to sell an antique, you must first establish its worth. That requires you to get an antique appraisal. Even in you don’t wish to sell, you will want to get a valuation. Local antique appraisers can help you with both. You can also get online antique appraisal and valuation. In this article we will explore the difference between antique appraisal and valuation.
What is an Antique Appraisal?
An antique appraisal is done by an experienced appraiser. An appraiser will establish the value of your antique. They will consider a number of factors when determining value. These factors include the condition of the item, whether it has been restored, whether it bears a manufacturer’s mark, the provenance, how rare it is, and (perhaps above all) how much demand there is for the item among antique buyers. Once you have an expert opinion on the value of your antiques you will be a good position to get the best price when you are selling. They will then provide you with a legal document that is used when selling the antique. It can be used for purposes of taxes and insurance, and it estate planning and wills.
What is an Antique Valuation?
An antique valuation is not quite as thorough as a formal appraisal. It doesn’t have the same level of research and detail as an appraisal. It is more of an estimation of the antique’s value. It may not even be set to paper. The appraiser might simply give you a verbal estimation. It can be useful when you want to have a general idea if your antique’s value. It can also be useful for insurance purposes. Some insurance companies will accept a valuation when insuring your antique but, the greater the value of the item, the more likely it is that the insurance company will require a formal appraisal. Overall, a valuation is usually a first step that will tell you if you need an appraisal done.
How Can I Get an Antique Appraisal?
Once you know that you need an appraisal where should you go? Perhaps the most obvious tool for finding leading antique jewelry buyers in today’s digital age is the internet. A simple search will enable you to cast a net that will capture results showing a wide range of antique dealers and local antique appraisers near you. In fact, depending on where you live, you may feel a little overwhelmed by how many search results you receive! Lots of places will offer to appraise your antiques.
Naturally, you want to make sure that you find an ethical and experience appraiser for your online antique appraisal or valuation. This is particularly important for online appraisals because you will have to mail the antique to them for the appraisal. The same still goes for an in-person appraisal or valuation. You want someone who knows their stuff. Ask family, friends, co-workers and other people you know for referrals. Read online reviews. Find antique buyers and sellers who are experts in the type of antiques you are looking to get appraised. Stop in at antique shops and auction houses. All of these are good ways to find the appraiser you are looking for. At antique appraisers auctioneers our staff of professional, knowledgeable, experienced experts are available to help you with your antique appraisal or valuation. We can ensure that you get a fair and favorable appraisal that will help you sell or insure your antique. Contact us today!