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10 VALUABLES TO GET APPRAISED BEFORE YOU DOWNSIZE

September 5, 2023
Posted by:
Jim Henderson

Downsizing your home can be an overwhelming process. It can be difficult to determine which items to keep, donate, or discard. That’s why it’s important to appraise certain items before you make any decisions. Knowing the appraised value of items can help you decide which ones should be sold in order to maximize your profits and minimize your losses. In this blog post, we’ll discuss 10 valuables you should get appraised before you downsize.

Antique Furniture Appraisals

When it comes to downsizing, it can be difficult to let go of sentimental items, and this is especially true of antique furniture. Whether you’ve inherited a piece of furniture from your parents or grandparents, or simply found something that has grown to become a part of your family, you may not want to get rid of it just yet. Before making any rash decisions, however, it’s important to first get it appraised.

Antique furniture may be worth more than you think. This is especially true of classic pieces from well-known designers such as Chippendale, Hepplewhite, Sheraton, and the like. Having an expert appraiser come in to assess the age and value of your furniture can be highly beneficial. An appraiser will also be able to tell you if the piece has been refinished or reupholstered at any point in time.

If the piece is valuable enough, you may even be able to sell it and make some money back. Alternatively, you could keep it and simply downsize it to another room in the house or store it safely away in a self storage unit. Either way, it’s important to have an appraisal done first so that you know exactly what you are dealing with.

Jewelry Appraisals

When downsizing, jewelry should be one of the first items to have appraised and sold. Not only can they bring a significant amount of money, but they also take up very little space. Depending on the type of jewelry you have, there are a variety of ways to go about selling it.

If you have costume jewelry, you can sell it directly to buyers through websites like eBay or Etsy. Precious metal and gemstones are worth significantly more and will require a professional appraisal to determine their true value. There are many jewelers that specialize in buying and selling estate jewelry, and they can provide you with an accurate appraisal of your pieces.

When selling jewelry, it’s important to make sure that all stones are secure and that any repairs needed are completed prior to selling. It’s also a good idea to keep all of the original packaging for the pieces, as this can make them more desirable to buyers. Additionally, if you have any certificates of authenticity or appraisals from when the pieces were purchased, keep those as well. Doing so will ensure that you get the most out of your jewelry when you decide to downsize.

Art Collection Appraisals

If you have an art collection that includes paintings, sculptures, and photographs, you should get them appraised before you downsize. Valuable art can add a substantial amount of value to your estate, so it is important to have an accurate assessment. An art appraiser will be able to look at the pieces and provide you with a full market value appraisal. They will also be able to tell you the history of the piece, as well as any potential areas of concern. If you decide to sell the artwork, a professional appraiser can help you do so. Additionally, if you are leaving your artwork to a beneficiary, an appraisal can help ensure that it is properly valued for tax purposes.

Vintage Item Appraisals

Vintage items can be some of the most valuable items to get appraised before you downsize. Vintage items such as vintage clothing, accessories, and household items can be quite valuable, especially if they are in good condition. Collectible vintage items like furniture, kitchenware, glassware, pottery, and toys are also great items to get appraised and sold before you downsize.

When looking for a professional appraiser for your vintage items, be sure to find someone who specializes in the specific area of collecting you’re dealing with. They should have an understanding of the history of the piece and be able to provide you with an accurate appraisal. Additionally, they should have a thorough knowledge of the current market trends and values of similar items. When you’re ready to sell your vintage items, you may want to consider using an auction house or private dealer.

Coin Appraisals

If you're downsizing your home, it's a good idea to get coins appraised and sold before you do. Coins have been collected and traded as investments for centuries, so they can often be worth more than their face value. Coins can come in many forms, from ancient coins to modern commemorative coins.

Ancient coins are particularly valuable due to their historical significance. If you have any coins that are over 100 years old, it would be a good idea to get them appraised and see if they can fetch a higher price. Modern commemorative coins are also valuable, since they were minted for a limited time or to commemorate a specific event.

When looking for an appraiser for your coins, make sure to find someone who is experienced with the types of coins you have. They should also have knowledge of the current market value of the coins, so they can give you an accurate appraisal. Once you have an appraisal, you can decide if you want to sell the coins at auction or through another method.

Sports Memorabilia Appraisals

Sports memorabilia can be an important part of any downsizing process. Whether you’re a diehard sports fan or just have a few items that have been passed down through the family, getting them appraised and sold can be a great way to add extra money to your pocket during the downsizing process. When it comes to appraising sports memorabilia, there are a few key points to keep in mind. First, find out what type of sports memorabilia you have and its condition. For example, a signed baseball from a famous player is worth much more than an unsigned one. Next, know the value of the item based on its condition and rarity. You may be able to get a better idea of this by researching similar items for sale online. Finally, consider taking your item to an appraiser or a local sports memorabilia store to get an official valuation. By doing your research and getting an appraisal, you can be sure to get the most out of selling your sports memorabilia during the downsizing process.

Comic & Actions Figure Appraisals

If you are a collector of comics and action figures, then you have some valuable items that can be appraised and sold when downsizing. Comics and action figures can be worth a significant amount of money if they are in mint condition, or if they are rare issues. Whether you’re an avid collector or a novice just starting out, it’s important to get your comics and action figures appraised so you know their full value.

When it comes to appraising and selling comics and action figures, one of the most important factors to consider is their condition. Comics and action figures in mint condition can fetch a much higher price than those in poor condition. If you have some items that you’re not sure about, it’s a good idea to consult an expert who can tell you the best way to go about selling them.

In addition to their condition, the rarity of the item is another major factor when appraising and selling comics and action figures. Even if your item is in mint condition, if it’s not a rare issue then it won’t be worth as much as a rarer comic or action figure. Make sure to research the item to determine its rarity before getting an appraisal so you have an idea of its estimated value.

Lastly, when selling comics and action figures, it’s important to know the market for these items. Auction sites such as eBay are great places to research the current market prices of comics and action figures so you can get a better idea of what you can expect for your item. Knowing the market will also help you set a fair price for your items when it comes time to sell them.

By getting your comics and action figures appraised, researching the market for them, and setting a fair price, you can maximize your profits when downsizing your collection.

Collectible Book Appraisals

Books can be a great source of income, especially when they are rare or in great condition. When it comes to collecting books, there are certain factors that contribute to the overall value. First and foremost, the condition of the book is paramount. Any damage such as torn pages, water damage, and wear and tear will decrease the value of the book. Age and edition are also important factors. For example, first editions, signed copies, or limited print runs can all increase the value of a book. Furthermore, the rarity of a book can increase its value; this could mean it is only available in a certain region or that there are only a few existing copies in the world.

When appraising your books, consider having them evaluated by an expert. They can help you determine the age, condition, edition and any other details that can add or subtract from the value of the book. You can also find independent book appraisers online who may be able to give you a more accurate assessment. Once you know how much the books are worth, you can decide whether to keep them, sell them online, or consign them to an auction house or antique store. Whatever you decide, collectible books can be a great way to make some extra money before you downsize.

Rug Appraisals

When it comes to downsizing, rugs are one of the items that many people tend to overlook. Rugs can add a lot of character to your home and can even increase the value of your home. However, if you decide to downsize, it is important to get your rugs appraised before you sell them. Appraising your rugs will help you get a better price for them since antique and vintage rugs are often worth more than new ones.

You should also keep in mind that not all rugs are valuable. While some antique and vintage rugs may be worth a lot, most modern rugs are not worth much. It is important to find an expert appraiser who can help you identify the real value of your rug. Make sure to provide photos of the rug along with measurements and other details to get an accurate appraisal.

Finally, when selling your rug, make sure to package it properly so that it can be shipped safely and arrive in good condition. Properly packaging the rug will also ensure that you get the best price for it, so take the time to make sure everything is done right. William C. Huff is happy to help with packaging your rubs within the home.

Fine China Appraisals

When downsizing, you may want to consider having your fine China appraised and sold. Fine China can be worth a lot of money, especially if it’s an older set or has an interesting or rare pattern. It’s also important to check that the pieces are all in good condition, as broken pieces will reduce the set value. You may find that it’s worth more than you thought, and it can make a big difference in the amount of money you get from downsizing.

For the best results when selling fine China, make sure to document the pieces you have with pictures and create a list of everything included. Doing this will help increase the value and make it easier for buyers to determine what they are getting. It’s also important to be honest about any flaws or damage that the China has, as this will prevent any disputes once the sale is complete.

Finally, consider finding a reputable antique dealer or auction house to appraise and sell your China. This will ensure that you get an accurate appraisal and a fair price for your items. A good antique dealer will be able to provide you with an honest opinion of the value of your items and give you advice on how to get the most out of them. With the right appraisal and some patience, you can get a great return on your fine China when you downsize.

William C. Huff is proud to partner with Value Pros for all of our clients appraisal needs.

William C. Huff Companies is committed to simplifying the complicated maze of moving and storing your priceless possessions. With over 40 full-time, tenured, and highly trained staff, you can be assured that your move will be handled smoothly and professionally, from the first phone call until the last box is unpacked.