The Sunday Edit | Why My Appraisal Evaluation Is Unbiased, Thoughtful and Credible
More often than not, after I complete a written appraisal, my clients ask: “How did you determine the value of my antique? I bought it twenty-five years ago for much more than the value you’ve placed on it.”
There is a Secret to My Appraisal Process
I am NOT pulling a number out of thin air when I tell you the value of your items. Those Antiques Roadshow appraisers don't, either. Our support systems are wide and deep and closely held.
My professional credentials often open otherwise opaque doors. I’ve met and befriended gallerists, auction, museum and appraisal specialists, and academics in the arts and collectibles fields. These relationships are important because it means current and relevant market information about YOUR special objects is at hand.
The values assigned to your home contents, antiques, paintings, silver, coins, jewelry and decorative art reflect this critical analysis. The identification of characteristics of value, supported by academic research, leads to appropriate market analysis and valuation.
The Lynn-quisition
I ask a lot of questions. I try to remain up-to-date on current movements in the marketplace by reading and discussing anything and everything related to the arts, antiques and collectible fields, including auction results and technology. Many of my peers have welcomed my Lynn-quisition (Drew's term). Perhaps they merely tolerate me, but, my team and clients learn from this willingness to share and do, in fact, benefit from their transparency.
Hanging out and having access to the pros is not only fun for me, but there are benefits to our team and our clients and customers.
I have just been elected to serve another 3-year term on the Personal Property Committee of the (International) ASA's Board of Directors and have been active within the ASA Northern NJ Chapter Board of Directors for nearly 2 decades. Post-pandemic, I'm excited to make more new friends in the field, deepen relationships, and contribute to the profession.
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Triaging Matter over Time
Few objects retain or increase in value over time. Today’s marketplace is different than it was 50, 30 or even 5 years ago. Pandemic upended the apple cart, as well. Today’s appraisal should be a result of the most recent scholarship and sales in a transparent manner. An expert appraiser, at the least, can separate the wheat from the chaff.
When valuation is critical to your decision making, and more often than not, prompted by a cataclysmic event like death, divorce, debt or downsizing, that's when an accredited appraiser should be engaged. I encourage you to plan ahead!
-Authored by Lynn Magnusson, President; edited by Heather Zises, Marketing Director
Know. Like. Trust.