7 Tips to Get the Most out of a Furniture Appraisal

July 16, 2023
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Table of Contents

Introduction

furniture appraisals are essential for obtaining an accurate value of your pieces. This article discusses 7 tips to make sure you get the most out of your furniture appraisal. From the importance of research and understanding the wood, to evaluating condition and provenance, this article will give you the tools to get the best valuation possible.

Prepare for the Appraiser's Visit

Preparing for the appraiser's visit is a crucial step in getting the most out of your furniture appraisal. A few key steps can help you make the most of your visit and maximize the accuracy of the appraiser's assessment. First of all, make sure the appraiser will have access to the area they need to assess. If you need to move furniture, make arrangements beforehand to do so. Prepare an inventory for the appraiser so that they have a clear picture of the objects they are assessing. If there are any details that you want added to the appraisal, bring any relevant documents or records for the appraiser to review. Additionally, provide as much background information about the item as possible, such as the date of purchase, its original model or serial number, and any special features it may have. Finally, point the appraiser to any spot that needs special attention. This could be areas of visible damage or signs of aging that need to be taken into account. By taking these easy steps, you can ensure that you get accurate and useful appraisals for your furniture.

Research the Market

. Researching the market can be a great way to get the most out of your furniture appraisal. Knowing the history and current trends of the market will help you to understand the value of the furniture you are attempting to appraise. Look for furniture pieces of the same age and in a similar condition, then compare their pricing in the current market. Other things to keep in mind are current industry standards, such as size, shape, and material. All of this will help you determine what prices to use in your appraisal. You can also research the history of the item you are appraising. This can help you to understand how the item has maintained its value over time. Doing thorough research can help you get the most out of your furniture appraisal.

Know the Value of Wood

When it comes to furniture appraisals, it is important to know the value of the wood used to make the item. Different wood types can have different values. Solid cherry is much more valuable than pine, for example. Knowing the type of wood can help you get an accurate appraisal. Consider the kind of natural wear and tear that might happen to a particular type of wood and how that might factor into its overall value. Knowing these details can help you get a better understanding of the item's value and what its worth. When gathering information and getting an appraisal, make sure to take note of the wood type if it is available. This can make a substantial difference in the final appraisal.

Look for Unique Design Features

It's important to look for unique design features when you're having a furniture appraisal done. This should include an evaluation of the specific decorative elements that are used in the design. Special details like joined corners, beveled curves, and exposed dowels can be used to determine the value of an item. These unique features can also give you an idea of the maker or designer, making it easier to find comparable items in the market. When you're looking for an appraiser, ask them if they have experience evaluating these features to get the most out of your appraisal.

Evaluate the Condition

of the Piece Evaluating the condition of the furniture you plan to have appraised is the most important step in getting the most out of the appraisal. Regardless of the piece, its condition can significantly affect its value. Any repairs, flaws or damage should be noted on a detailed checklist and be available for the appraiser to examine. Your lists should include notes on any scratches, dents, or other signs of wear, such as fading from direct sunlight or excessive use. When creating these lists, make sure you take pictures from various angles of any defects as this will be the best way for the appraiser to accurately determine value. Also be aware of any manufacturing defects that could have occurred during production. Furniture appraisals take all of these factors into consideration, so the more information you provide, the more accurate the appraisal is likely to be.

Determine Provenance

Provenance is an important aspect of appraising furniture and needs to be determined prior to the appraisal. This is one of the first steps taken by professional appraisers when evaluating a piece of furniture. Provenance refers to the history and origin of a particular piece of furniture, and includes information such as who designed the piece, who manufactured it, and who owned it in the past. By having this information, appraisers can determine the value and authenticity of the furniture. Additionally, it is also important to factor in any condition issues that may affect the furniture's value. To get the most out of a furniture appraisal, it is essential to have a complete and accurate history of the piece.

Gather supporting materials

. Gather supporting materials. Before you hire an appraiser for the job, make sure to put together all of the supporting proofs and documents to make sure that the value is accurately determined. Receipts, letters of authenticity, photos, and any additional proof you can get your hands on can help the appraiser craft a more accurate value. Some types of furniture have very specific requirements that involve dating, checking for style elements, and material composition. In addition to paperwork and photos, bringing an appraiser to your home where the object is located can also be beneficial. This way they can inspect it for any issues that may impact the value.

Conclusion

A professional appraisal can help you understand the true value of your furniture. By following the 7 steps outlined in this article, you can ensure that your appraisals are accurate and useful. AppraiseItNow offers experienced and certified appraisers for all types of furniture appraisals across the US, so contact us today for more information.

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