|
 |
This article was published in the April/May 2000 issue of
AntiquePrime Magazine & Journal.
For What It's Worth ...
Q. What are the tools of your trade?
A. Appraisers use four different sets of tools: (1) for inspection
of the property; (2) for researching values; (3) for report preparation
and generation; and (4) for other general office functions. The
onsite tools vary, depending on the type of property that the appraiser
is inspecting. I'll tell you about the tools of the antiques and
residential contents appraisers. Equipment used by gems & jewelry
appraisers and fine art appraisers will differ.
For on-site inspections, I take a halogen light with extension cord.
A dark home is not conducive to a thorough examination of property.
A 35 mm or digital camera is required to photograph and document
the items, and I carry a drop cloth to use as a solid background.
For measurements, I carry a tape measure, calipers, and a silver
scale. A lighted magnifier and a jeweler's loupe are in my bag for
reading the fine print on signed or stamped items. To detect fakes,
reproductions, damages and repairs on glass, porcelain and pottery,
a black light is essential. I also carry a magnet to test for brass.
Implements to take notes, such as paper and pen, cassette recorder,
or laptop round out the tools for inspection. If I know beforehand
the types of items I'll be inspecting, I sometimes bring along reference
books and materials.
Once the onsite inspection is complete, the appraiser begins the
process of researching value. It might surprise many people that
an appraiser doesn't "know" the value immediately. Even
if the appraiser is very familiar with the type of item being appraised,
the value assigned must be supportable in a court of law. Therefore,
for each item in the appraisal report, due diligence is required.
One of the tools required at this stage is shoe leather: going out
to shops and malls to locate comparable items. This is most commonly
done for insurance coverage or damage claim appraisals. In charitable
contribution, estate tax, or divorce situations, the appraiser uses
past sales as comparables. Tools to research completed sales include
auction catalogs with results realized and CD-ROMs of auction prices
realized (the library at the Dallas Museum of Art has one such program,
called Artfact). The Internet is increasingly becoming a vital research
tool, as well. An extensive personal library, and access to public
libraries is important.
After the value is established through research, the appraisal report
is prepared. Since hand written reports are unacceptable, a typewriter,
or computer with word processing software and printer is required.
I use a copier to make duplicates of the reports and invoices for
my files. If the appraisal is for an individual, rather than for
an insurance company, moving company, or attorney, I use a thermal
binding machine to bind the report.
General office equipment tools include voice-mail; fax machine;
calculator; and e-mail. Because appraisers are required by the Uniform
Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) to keep records
for five years, I also have lots of file cabinets.
Those are the major tools of the profession.
Back |
