Appraisals & Evaluations
Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between an appraisal and an evaluation?

   Appraisals are formal written documents that involve significant research and documentation. Evaluations are expert opinions, often verbal, based on experience with limited or no research or documentation.

When do I need a written appraisal?

   Written appraisals are often required for legal purposes, estate planning, insurance scheduling, donation and tax deduction. Please read "When Written Appraisals Are Needed" for more details.

Do I need to appraise my item before I sell it?

   Usually not. Quinn's will provide free of charge a pre-sale auction estimate as to the value of your treasure at auction.

What is the difference between replacement, fair market, auction values? Doesn't my treasure only have one value?

   Values can change with the market forces that apply in each situation. Appraisal values depend on the intended use of the appraisal. See the article "Why So Many Values For One Antique?" for more details.

Why do appraisals cost so much?

   A qualified appraisal requires significant time in extensive research and market analysis, in addition to cataloguing all aspects of the physical description and condition, putting the object in context and writing the 10-50 page report.

How do you know when an appraiser is qualified?

   There is no federal or state regulation of the appraisal industry. Members of the major appraisal associations follow the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice ensuring you an appraiser is qualified. See the article "Not Your Roadshow Appraisal" for more details.

© Quinn Enterprises 2003
Need to know what something is worth?
Appraisal & Evaluation Services

APPRAISAL SERVICES:
Quinn’s Auction Galleries can provide written appraisals at Fair Market or Replacement Values for the purpose of:

  • Estate Planning
  • Estate Taxation
  • Donation
  • Division of Property
  • Insurance scheduling and claims


    • Inventories for estate settlement, division of property and insurance claims are providedexperienced Staff. Formal qualified appraisals with photographs for insurance scheduling, estate planning, and Internal Revenue Service are provided by affiliate appraisers who comply with the "Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice" (USPAP) adopted by the Appraisal Foundation which is authorized by the US Congress. Appraisers, who consult with a network of experts and specialists as needed, have training, experience and expertise in:

  • Furniture, Period through Contemporary
  • Porcelain
  • Art pottery
  • Cut and pressed glass
  • Silver of all periods
  • Fine arts
  • Collectibles
  • Other Antiques and Decorative Arts


    • Competitive fees are based on an hourly or per item basis plus expenses and never based on the appraised value.

    For more information on appraisals in general, see the following articles:
  • Not Your Roadshow Appraisal...

  • Are All Old Things Valuable?

  • Why So Many Values For One Antique?

  • When Written Appraisals Are Needed

  • What To Expect in Written Appraisals.

  • Trash to Treasure...Literally!


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    EVALUATION SERVICES:
    Quinn’s Auction Galleries staff and affiliated appraisers will provide evaluations for purposes of :

  • Downsizing
  • Free Estate Sale Assessments
  • Free Auction estimates


    • Staff and affiliated appraisers will assist you in maximizing the return on your treasures and help you identify those items to keep, to sell or to donate to charity. Quinn’s Estate Services provides full service with multiple disposition options. (See estate services). Evaluations on furniture and/or large items that are not easily transported will be done in your home by appointment.


              

    Quinn's Auction Galleries
    431 North Maple Avenue
    Falls Church, Virginia 22046
    (703) 532-5632