How to Get Your Antiques Appraised Like a Pro

So, you’ve got an old painting, a funky lamp, or something you found in the back of Grandma’s closet — and you’re wondering, is this worth anything?

The short answer: maybe.The better answer: it depends on how you get it appraised — and who does the appraising.

I’m Josh Levine, a certified personal property appraiser, and I’ve helped thousands of people figure out what their stuff is really worth. Here’s how to do it like a pro.

Step 1: Know What Type of Appraisal You Need

Different situations require different values:

• Insurance Appraisal – What would it cost to replace this item with something similar? (Usually the highest value.)

• Fair Market Appraisal – What would a willing buyer pay a willing seller today? (Think auction/eBay resale.)

• Estate or Probate Appraisal – For legal/tax purposes. Needs to follow strict standards.

• Donation Appraisal – For IRS and charitable contribution reporting.

Pro Tip: Ask your appraiser what format they provide and whether it’s USPAP-compliant (Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice). That’s the gold standard.

Step 2: Choose a Real Appraiser (Not a Buyer in Disguise)

Red flag: Someone offers to “appraise” your item — and then immediately offers to buy it. That’s not an appraisal. That’s a negotiation.

Look for:

• Certification (ISA, ASA, or USPAP-compliant)

• Independence (they don’t have a financial stake in your item)

• Transparency (rates, time estimates, what the final report includes)

Yes, it’s okay to ask for credentials. This isn’t Antiques Roadshow — it’s your money.

Step 3: Prep Like a Collector

Before your appraisal:

• Gather any history or provenance (where it came from, who owned it)

• Don’t clean or restore the item unless instructed — patina matters

• Photograph front, back, signatures, markings, and scale

• Note condition honestly

And remember: sometimes the story behind the object is worth more than the object itself.

Step 4: Ask About Selling Strategy

A good appraiser won’t just give you a number — they’ll give you options.

• Should you sell it at auction or online?

• Is there a buyer’s market for this now?

• Could it be worth more in 5 years?

For example, I often advise clients to list certain collectibles on eBay, but send fine art to regional auction houses with a matching clientele.

Step 5: Get It In Writing

Ask for a formal report if you need it for:

• Insurance

• Divorce or estate settlement

• Tax/donation purposes

• Resale pricing

Even if it’s a quick evaluation, a summary email is better than a casual guess.

Final Thought:

You don’t have to be an expert to make smart choices — you just need to ask the right ones.And when in doubt, don’t sell or donate until someone like me has taken a look.

I’m here to help.

You can request an appraisal at https://www.joshlevinespeaks.com/book-online

Or learn more from my videos at YouTube.com/@JoshLevineSpeaks