Is That Dusty Painting Worth a Fortune?
- Josh Levine

- Jul 24
- 2 min read
A Phoenix Art Appraiser Spills the Tea

Welcome to another edition of “Stuff You Own Might Be Worth a Lot More Than You Think.”
Okay, that’s not the official title, but maybe it should be. 😏
If you’re in Phoenix, Scottsdale, or anywhere in Arizona and you’ve got a painting, a vintage chair, a weird bronze statue, or grandma’s “definitely not fake” Tiffany lamp collecting dust—you’ve landed in the right place.
Because art appraisal and antique evaluation aren’t just for museum curators and the cast of Antiques Roadshow. They’re for YOU. Yes, you, sipping your coffee and wondering if that old desert landscape in the hallway is a masterpiece... or a motel print.
Let’s break it down. Fast, fun, and full of facts you didn’t know you needed.
What Does an Art Appraiser in Phoenix Actually Do?
We don’t wave magic wands or wear monocles (well… not usually). As a certified art appraiser, I use years of market experience, auction data, comparables, and research to determine the fair market or insurance value of your item.
Whether it’s:
Fine Art
Southwest & Native American artifacts
Mid-century modern furniture
Estate jewelry
Weird and wonderful collectibles
...my job is to tell you what it is, what it’s worth, and why.
🧠 Bonus: I make it easy to understand—no ivory tower language here.
Where Can I Get Antiques Appraised in Phoenix?
📍 Right here, my friend.
I offer in-person and virtual appraisals for folks all over Arizona—especially Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, Chandler, Gilbert, and Cave Creek.
Searches like:
“Antique appraisals near me”
“Art appraisal Phoenix”
“Fine art appraisers near me”
...usually lead people straight to me—Josh Levine. And yes, I’m totally okay with that.
What’s the Difference Between a $10 Painting and a $10,000 One?
Great question. And here’s a secret: it’s usually not what you think.
It’s not always about how pretty it is. Value comes down to:
Artist signature (is it known or listed?)
Condition
Provenance (history and ownership)
Market demand
Style and subject matter
And yes, sometimes even the frame matters
I’ve seen yard sale “junk” turn into $5K windfalls. And I’ve also gently told someone their “Monet” was, sadly, a motel print from 1972. 😬
Why Now Is the Time to Get an Appraisal in Phoenix
Arizona is booming with people moving, downsizing, inheriting estates, and redecorating. That means:
More hidden treasures are coming to light
The art and antique markets are evolving
Insurance companies are asking for real values (not guesses)
The IRS still loves paper trails for charitable donations
If you’ve got stuff sitting around and don’t really know what it’s worth, now’s the time to get clarity.
How to Book Your Appraisal with Me
Want to know what your art, antique, or oddity is worth?
📱 Call or Text: (610)739-9991
🌐 Schedule here - https://www.joshlevinespeaks.com/book-online
I offer appraisals for insurance, estate planning, divorce, donation, resale, and more.
Final Thought: You Can’t Google Everything
Look—I love a good search engine. But typing “what’s my painting worth” into Google won’t cut it when it comes to accuracy.
You need someone who knows:
The Arizona art scene
Auction records
What sells vs. what sits
And how to tell the difference between a real bronze and a resin cast
That’s what I do. And I love doing it.










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