What to Ask When Choosing An Antiques Appraiser

July 9, 2023
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Table of Contents

Introduction

When it comes to choosing an antiques appraiser, it is important to ask the right questions to ensure the appraiser is the best fit for you. In this blog post, we will discuss the various qualifications and certifications an appraisal should have, their experience and area of specialty, what organizations they may belong to, the types of appraisals they offer, and associated fees and turnaround times. We hope this post will help guide you in making an informed decision when choosing the perfect antiques appraiser for your needs.

What qualifications and certifications does the appraiser hold?

When choosing an antiques appraiser, the qualifications and certifications they hold should be among your primary concerns. Most appraisers will have professional certification from a national organization such as the Appraisers Association of America or the International Society of Appraisers. These organizations require their appraisers to have extensive experience in the field and to have completed courses in appraisal ethics and methodology. Additionally, appraisers may have specialty certifications, such as fine arts or antiques appraisals. Ask your potential appraiser about the length of time they have been in the business and the qualifications and certifications they hold. Finally, look for reviewers’ comments and credentials, such as references or letters of recommendation, to help you make your choice.

How much experience does the appraiser have assessing antiques?

An appraiser's experience is an important factor to consider when selecting the right professional for the job. A seasoned appraiser is familiar with the current market value of antiques and collectibles, as well as the knowledge and expertise that comes with the job. This not only provides an accurate assessment of your antique, but it also increases the odds of a successful appraisal. In addition, an experienced appraiser is more likely to stay up on the latest trends in the antiques market, which can make a significant impact on the worth of an item. They also may have more diverse contacts to help them should they need to call in an expert to provide further information or an opinion on a particular antiques item. When evaluating a potential appraiser, ask them about their experience assessing antiques. It's also wise to ask for references or a portfolio of recently appraised items. This will provide a first-hand look at the appraiser's credentials, and help ensure the most accurate appraisal possible for your particular item or collection.

What is the appraiser's area of specialty in antiques?

When choosing an appraiser, it's important to determine the appraiser's area of specialty. Many appraisers specialize in a certain type of antique, such as furniture, art, Jewelry, coins, stamps, etc. If you need an appraisal of antiques, it's important to ask the appraiser about their specialty. For instance, a furniture appraiser likely has a different set of skills and experience than a coin appraiser. Make sure the appraiser you choose has expertise with the type of antique you need to have appraised. If you're not sure which type of appraiser you should choose, ask the appraiser for advice. They should be able to provide guidance on the best option for your needs. Doing your research and taking time to ask questions will ensure you get the most accurate appraisal for your antiques.

Does the appraiser belong to any professional organizations related to antiques?

When selecting an appraiser for antiques, it’s important to ask if they belong to any professional organizations related to antiques. Professionalism is essential in appraising, so verifying that the appraiser belongs to a professional organization is key. These organizations can provide appraisers with access to professional resources they need to properly evaluate antiques and provide the best service possible. Professional organizations also uphold a certain set of standards and ethics that appraisers must adhere to, so you can feel secure with the appraiser’s services. The best appraisers will belong to at least one organization, such as the International Society of Appraisers, the American Society of Appraisers, or the Appraisers Association of America. Joining one of these respected organizations takes a great deal of dedication and expertise. So, if an appraiser belongs to any of them, you can be sure you’re dealing with a professional of the highest caliber.

Does the appraiser provide appraisals for a single antiques item or will they appraise an entire collection?

When choosing an antiques appraiser, it is important to consider whether their appraisals are for a single item or for an entire collection. An appraiser specializing in single item appraisals may provide a more detailed evaluation of the item’s quality and worth. However, if you have an entire collection, it is best to hire an appraiser that specializes in appraising collections. This type of appraiser will be able to provide an overall assessment of the collection’s worth. Furthermore, they may be able to offer advice on how to best market the collection if you are planning to sell it. Therefore, make sure to ask your potential appraiser what types of services they offer to ensure that you are getting the right type of appraisal for your particular needs.

Does the appraiser provide verbal

and/or written appraisals? The type of appraisal that you need will depend on the purpose of the appraisal. If you are planning on selling the items and need a value for tax or insurance purposes, then you will need a written appraisal. Most appraisers will provide both verbal and/or written appraisals. A verbal appraisal is typically done on-site, and the appraiser will provide an estimated value or range of values based on his or her expertise. On the other hand, a written appraisal is a detailed report that includes the appraisers’ expertise and research in order to determine a value or range of values. The report will also include information about the condition of the item or items being appraised, as well as information such as age, origin, and any other special features. Depending on the nature of the appraisal, a written appraisal may also include a photograph of the item or items. Ask your appraiser which type of appraisal they provide and decide which is best for your needs.

written

to answer the question, “What makes an experienced antiques appraiser? An experienced antiques appraiser should possess a wealth of knowledge about antiques and the history of the items they are appraising. Years of experience in the field, as well as training and/or credentials from a professional organization provide the experience needed to accurately value the items being appraised. An experienced appraiser must have a keen eye for detail and the ability to assess the condition of your antiques for their appraisal, as this plays a large role in determining the value. An experienced appraiser will also have extensive contacts in the industry, such as auction houses, private collectors, dealers, and other experts in the field. Lastly, the appraiser should have the license and insurance required by the state in which they are appraising. With all these considerations taken into account, you can trust you are receiving an accurate and professional appraisal of your antiques.

or both appraisal types?

When choosing an antiques appraiser, it’s important to ask about their experience and expertise. Make sure to ask what type of appraisals the appraiser specializes in. Are they experienced in art, jewelry, furniture, or other antiques? Knowing which type of appraisal they are experienced in can help you determine if their appraisal is a good fit for you. Additionally, make sure to ask what type of appraisal report they provide. Do they offer a written report or a verbal appraisal? A written appraisal report provides an in-depth assessment or evaluation, while a verbal appraisal requires the appraiser to inspect and evaluate the pieces in person and provide a verbal description. Taking the time to ask these key questions will ensure that you’ll be getting the most accurate and valuable appraisal for your antiques.

What fees are associated with the appraisal?

When choosing an antiques appraiser, it’s important to understand what fees are associated with an appraisal. The fees vary depending on the type of appraisal and the appraiser’s services. Generally, appraisers charge a flat rate per hour or per item. Hourly rates can range anywhere from $50-$250, while appraisal of items may cost anywhere from $25-$150 depending on the item’s complexity. Additionally, some appraisers may offer discounts on bulk appraisals or more expensive items. It’s important to ask the appraiser about fees associated with the appraisal before starting the process. An honest and knowledgeable appraiser will be transparent about their fees, allowing you to make an informed decision. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and shop around for the best rates.

What is the estimated turnaround time for the appraisal?

The estimated turnaround time for an antique appraisal depends on several factors, such as the complexity of the item and the appraiser's workload. Most appraisers should be able to give an estimate of their turnaround time after learning more about the item in question. Generally, an appraiser can turn the appraisal around within 1 to 2 weeks, but the exact timeline will depend on the specifics of the assignment. It is also important to remember that the more information you can provide to the appraiser up front, the faster the timeline can be. This includes thorough descriptions of the item and any pictures that can help with the research process. Be sure to be clear and upfront with the appraiser about your timeline expectations to ensure a successful appraisal.

How will the final appraisal be presented to the client?

A well-prepared appraisal report should include a detailed description of the item, its condition, and any marks or relevant information that can be used for research. Additionally, an appraiser should provide any expertise he/she can provide in regards to the item's market value and an understanding of the current market trends. Depending on the type of appraisal being undertaken, the appraiser should also supply documents such as photographs, signatures, and other relevant documents. This report should be written in a clear and comprehensive manner and should be tailored to meet the client’s specific needs. Ultimately, the appraiser should provide the client with a report that can be used for various purposes, such as insurance claims, tax filings, and estate planning.

Does the appraiser provide written documentation of the process and appraisal?

Yes - having written documentation of the process and appraisal is an important part of choosing the right appraiser. Documentation helps you ensure that the appraisal is accurate and that it will meet your needs. It also helps you keep track of the appraisal in the future should you need to refer to it or make any changes. When you choose an appraiser, be sure to ask if they can provide a written appraisal report. The report should include detailed information on the appraisal process, value estimates, and an explanation of the methods and criteria used to reach the appraisal conclusion. Be sure to ask for a written guarantee of their services too. This guarantee should protect you and ensure that the appraisal will meet professional standards.

Conclusion

Choosing the right antiques appraiser can be an overwhelming experience, but with the right preparation and knowledge about their qualifications, the process can be made much simpler. If you're looking for a reliable and experienced appraiser, AppraiseItNow is the perfect choice. Our professional appraisers are certified, experienced, and offer the best rates in the industry.

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