In establishing value in anything, an appraiser certainly must know the product. An appraiser should research what's at hand.Condition and rarity allows an appraiser to assign A RANGE OF VALUE. The reality is a conservative approach is needed. A "puffed-up" appraisal can be dangerous.
I once handles an estate for auction from Missouri. My clients were given a bill of goods that came in way above the real value. As in all appraisals.. it is an "indication of value."
In real estate, comparable values of similar homes are given. In antiques Price Guides are recommended. The guides are good as are books such as The New Fine Points of Furniture -Early American by ALBERT SACK. This one book is definitive in appraising as it steers you into the correct pew and the right church.
I think it is judicious to bring in advisors in every appraisal if needed. Nobody knows everything! A picture is worth a thousand words and maybe TEN THOUSAND DOLLARS.
In a down market in everything, do not go wild with excessive values as the BOOMERANG can come back to haunt you. Inquire, visit car dealers or antique shops or coin shops or clock dealers getting a sense of current values.
My reference library is formidable in this regard.
Good luck. Be timely and try to obtain a good provenance on just about anything being appraised.
Very Truly Yours
ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN
APPRAISER
BOX 11
WEST BROOKFIELD, MA 01585
508-867-3360 Anytime
No comments:
Post a Comment