How to Get Your Antiques Appraised Like a Pro in Phoenix, AZ

When you stumble across an old painting, a dusty trunk full of coins, or something inherited from a relative, you might wonder: Is this junk… or a jackpot? If you're in the Phoenix area and thinking about getting an item appraised, here's everything you need to know to do it right — from picking the right appraiser to understanding value types and what not to toss.

Whether you're handling an estate, downsizing, or just trying to understand what you've got, this is your step-by-step guide.

What does an appraiser do — and why should you hire one?

An appraiser’s job is to determine the fair market value or replacement cost of your item, based on their knowledge, comparable sales, condition, provenance, and more. You hire an appraiser when you need:

• An estate division

• Insurance coverage

• Donation/tax deduction documentation

• A resale value to list online or at auction

In short, if it’s valuable (or you think it might be), get it looked at by someone who doesn’t have a stake in buying it.

How do I know if something is worth appraising?

Start with the golden rule: If you’d stop to look at it at someone else’s estate sale, it might be worth checking out.

Look for:

• Signatures or hallmarks

• Hand craftsmanship

• Unusual materials (ivory, bakelite, sterling)

• Age or patina

• Any story or provenance behind the item

Don't assume only "fine art" matters — I’ve appraised everything from vintage toys and Native American jewelry to perfume bottles and original Star Wars posters.

What’s the difference between market value and insurance value?

• Fair Market Value (FMV): What it would sell for today in its current condition on the open market.

• Replacement Value: What it would cost to replace the item with a comparable one if lost/damaged.

For example, that 1960s Navajo bracelet might appraise at $1,200 for insurance (replacement cost), but only bring $700 on eBay.

Know your use case before hiring — a good appraiser can guide you.

How do I prepare for an appraisal?

Don’t polish it, clean it, or fix it up — patina is part of value.

Do:

• Gather any documentation (receipts, family history, notes)

• Photograph front/back/signatures

• Note dimensions and materials if possible

• Be honest about condition

If it's for insurance or donation, make sure the appraiser is USPAP-compliant — this is the industry gold standard.

Should I appraise everything in my house?

Probably not — and that’s okay. I always recommend a triage approach:

• High-priority: Art, jewelry, signed items, vintage toys, rare furniture

• Medium-priority: Decorative objects, collectibles, mid-century goods

• Low-priority: Generic home décor, broken electronics, mass-market prints

I can do a walk-through or photo consult to help you sort what’s worth appraising and what’s better sold in a yard sale or donated.

Can I do an appraisal online?

Yes — and in many cases, that’s all you need.

My firm offers online single-item appraisals with photos, dimensions, and any relevant story you provide. It’s faster and more affordable than a full on-site visit, and still accurate for resale or basic planning.

What happens after the appraisal?

Depending on your goals, I’ll help you:

• Create listings (eBay, consignment, auction)

• Recommend where and how to sell

• Estimate packing/shipping costs or local buyers

• Provide a formal report if needed (for tax, insurance, or court use)

In short: I won’t just tell you what it’s worth — I’ll help you decide what to do next.

Live in Arizona and want help?

If you're in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Sedona, or anywhere in AZ, I offer:

• On-site appraisals

• Online evaluations

• Estate cleanout triage

• Resale guidance with AI-powered templates and systems

Get started at joshlevinespeaks.com

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much does an appraisal cost?

A: Expect to pay $150–$250/hour. I charge $175/hr or offer fixed-price online appraisals.

Q: What if I just need to sell something fast?

A: I can help you price it for eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or auction depending on the item.

Q: Is there anything I should NOT throw out before an appraisal?

A: Yes — costume jewelry, old tech, war memorabilia, vintage signage, art prints, and even unusual housewares can be valuable.

Q: Can you appraise entire estates?

A: Yes — I specialize in estate walkthroughs, cleanout planning, and triaging what’s worth formal appraisal vs. resale.

Q: Do I need to clean items before the appraisal?

A: No! Don’t clean silver, polish wood, or reframe art — original condition often increases value.