Make sure all items are accessible to the appraiser.

In General:
If the appraisal is for full household contents minus a few items –– tag the items that should not be appraised. Otherwise, the appraiser is obligated to appraise everything (items under $100.00 may be grouped together as a lot).

If a list is supplied to the appraiser, it is understood that only those items on the list will be appraised.

Documentation:
Provide a list of items to be appraised and any old appraisals/bills of sale. This is not going to be used for valuation. It may be used for identification. The less research performed by the appraiser, the less you will be charged for time.

Furniture or Other Heavy Objects:
If an antique piece of furniture is being appraised, it should be be moved away from the wall and emptied so construction techniques can be observed. Large artwork, as well, should be removed from the walls.

If the item is too large (or heavy, or fragile) to move –– do not move it! The item will be appraised in place and so noted under the Limiting Conditions section of the appraisal document.

Antique tall case clocks should have their hoods removed and placed in close proximity to the clock.

“Smalls”:
The appraiser will move small artwork or wall art that is within reach.

Any glassware/silver/flatware/china, etc. should be laid out for the appraiser if possible and if there is room to do so.

All kitchen items should all be left in place.

If the appraiser is going into any storage area, including garage, outbuildings, basements and attics where there may be boxes, please have those boxes unpacked. If you do not, the appraiser will; however, unpacking and re-packing takes time.

Jewelry/Coins/Guns:
Although ordinary costume or silver jewelry can be appraised by a generalist, arrangements for a specialist may be applicable for fine jewelry, rare coins, guns, stamps and high end fine art (over $10,000.) Please make arrangements ahead of time if you think need this service!

Any formal appraisal should contain the following:

1. Name & Address of Client.
2. Statement of Purpose. Whether the appraisal is for insurance, estate tax liability, donation, divorce, resale, equitable distribution or some other purpose.
3. Type of Valuation to be Assigned. Whether it is replacement cost, fair market value, resale, liquidation or other type of valuation. A definition of the value you must also be included.
4. Description of the Object. There must be sufficient information to identify the item. This should include the material used, dimensions, condition, repairs or restoration, signature or other marks, approximate date made, country of origin, provenance if  known and any other historical information peculiar to the property.
5. Summary of Appraiser’s Qualifications. Experience, educational background, professional affiliations, etc.
6. Statement of Value. The dollar amount each item or grouping of items is judged to be worth.
7. Limiting Conditions. It should be noted if the appraisal is based on incomplete or  hypothetical information, or if the appraiser has not personally examined the item,  or if there are any other extenuating circumstances which might prevent the  appraiser from completing the task in an accurate and professional manner.
8. Statement of Disinterest. Confirmation that the appraiser does or does not have a  present or contemplated future financial or other interest in the outcome of the appraisal.
9. Date of Valuation. For estate tax liability, normally the date of death; for donations, the date of donation; for divorce, the date of separation; for most others, the date of examination.
10. Picture of the Item. Visual documentation is important for most appraisals.   For donation appraisals, the IRS requires an 8″ x 10″ photo of any single item valued at  over $20,000.00.
11. Signature of the Appraiser and the Date Signed.
12. Brief Summary of Sources Used to Arrive at Valuations.
13. Names of Other Appraisers and/or Experts Consulted.
14. Total Valuation of the Items Appraised

Hiring an Appraiser

It may surprise you to learn that anyone can call themselves an appraiser. There is no licensing or certification for personal property appraisers at this point in time, so if you need an appraisal, it is your responsibility to determine if the appraiser is qualified.

There are two types of property: real property and personal property. Real property includes real estate, land, buildings. Tangible personal property includes moveable items, such as furniture, antiques, collectibles, pots and pans. This article deals strictly with appraisers of personal property.

What’s “it” worth? That all depends. Is the purpose of knowing the value for insurance (coverage or claim)? Liquidation, sale, or resale? Equitable division of property (divorce or distribution of an estate)? IRS obligation (probate and estate tax, or charitable contribution)? The “value” of an item may differ depending on the “function” of the appraisal and the “market” used to determine the value. A knowledgeable appraiser should be able to explain these differences to you.

Ask the appraisers you are considering hiring if they specialize in the types of items you want appraised. Just as you wouldn’t visit a podiatrist for a heart problem, don’t engage a coin appraiser to value an 18th Century chair. If you have a large number of various household goods, you might seek a generalist appraiser who will contact experts in certain fields, should the need arise.

Check the qualifications of the appraisers by asking if they have had any formal education in appraisal theory, principles, procedures, and ethics. Training is not yet required of any appraiser, but those who have taken classes and have passed the tests show that they are interested in their profession and in seeking competence. Those who are serious about appraising should be taking courses at least every five years to remain up to date.

Request references. The appraiser, however, has an obligation of confidentiality to all clients. Only after securing their written permission should the appraiser provide you with their names.

Confirm that the cost of the appraisal will be based on an hourly rate, a flat rate, or a per item rate, plus expenses, where appropriate. It is not ethical for appraisers to charge based on a percentage of value or on contingency.

Make sure that you will receive a typed or computer printed (not handwritten) and signed report that the appraiser will defend in court, if necessary. The report should consist of a cover letter with any limiting and qualifying conditions; the appraiser’s qualifications; a statement that the appraiser has no financial interest in the property; a complete and accurate description of the property; the methodology used; the market analysis and markets selected; and a defined value.

Inquire about the appraiser’s membership in any appraisal organizations. Active participation shows involvement with the profession, peer recognition, access to updated information, and requirement to adhere to a code of ethics.

Examine the appraiser’s responses to your questions and decide if the appraiser you are about to hire is qualified.