The Appraisal and Antiques Blog
Plain-English answers from a USPAP certified appraiser with 500+ auctions behind him: what your antiques, art, silver, toys and collectibles are worth, how appraisals work in Phoenix, and when to sell or keep.
appraisalEstate Appraisal Process: What Information to Share
A home can hold decades of family history, along with objects whose value or purpose isn’t clear at first glance. I explain what information helps me assess those belongings and how my appraisal process moves from an initial inquiry to a written report and recommendation.
Read: Estate Appraisal Process: What Information to Share →Vintage Guitar Value Guide: What Your Old Guitar Is Actually Worth
I spent years on the road as a professional guitarist before I became an appraiser. That combination puts me in a rare position to tell you what vintage guitars are actually worth — and what most people get wrong.
Read: Vintage Guitar Value Guide: What Your Old Guitar Is Actually Worth →Vintage Toys Worth Real Money in 2026 (Check Your Storage Unit)
The vintage toy market is hotter than it's been in years, and some of the things sitting in your storage unit right now are selling for serious money. Here's what to look for.
Read: Vintage Toys Worth Real Money in 2026 (Check Your Storage Unit) →10 Surprisingly Valuable Things Hiding in Your Attic Right Now
Most people have no idea what's actually hiding in their attic. Before you haul anything to the curb, read this — because some of the most overlooked items are also the most valuable.
Read: 10 Surprisingly Valuable Things Hiding in Your Attic Right Now →Looking for an Art Appraiser in Scottsdale? Here's What to Know First
Scottsdale has a serious art market, and if you own significant artwork in the area, you need a real appraiser — not a dealer who profits from what they tell you. Here's what to look for and how to choose.
Read: Looking for an Art Appraiser in Scottsdale? Here's What to Know First →How Art Authentication Works and Why It Matters More Than You Think
Art authentication is one of the most misunderstood processes in the art world. Getting it wrong doesn't just cost money — it can expose you to legal liability and permanent damage to your reputation.
Read: How Art Authentication Works and Why It Matters More Than You Think →