By Denise Levy
I often wonder what other appraisers experience just before a first visit to a client. What are the appraiser's preparations that are made for the visit. We walk into our clients' lives often not knowing them and unfamiliar with the contents of their collection (s). What we do know are the facts gleaned from the telephone interview. It is always smart to do some research for the items to be examined. This will help allay the excitement and nerves that usually kick in pre-visit. Once in the client's home, all of that melts away and you, the appraiser take charge.
Diplomacy is the first rule. Never disparage the client's personal property. How many of us have viewed what we perceive to be junk, yet the client may have inherited this or that from a beloved relative? It may not have great monetary value, but to the client it means the world. It's best not to divulge off the cuff values even if you know. Tread delicately and with authority so that when a question of value comes up, choose words carefully to avoid misinformation. Avoid commenting on the home itself and other contents. If the view is wonderful or the location is special, fair enough to mention that. Your mission is to focus on the items at hand for the appraisal.
The first visit can be a bonding experience. It may also be the only visit required with the bulk of work following the visit that includes: research, contacting other experts, composing the report, and so forth.
The necessary tools for examining artworks include; a loop, tape measure, note pad, pen, camera, extra batteries for digital cameras, and a memory card. For household contents take the same items, but add a large magnifying glass and a long tape measure. Shoot plenty of digitals which will serve as reminders of what you have examined and will document the contents.
Building confidence is key during the first visit and spending the time needed to adequately examine the personal property is vital. You need to convey pride in your work and that you are a professional.
Appraising is an old world activity and has grown into a modern industry supported by the most sophisticated technologies, methods, and tools. It is an endlessly fascinating profession.
I often wonder what other appraisers experience just before a first visit to a client. What are the appraiser's preparations that are made for the visit. We walk into our clients' lives often not knowing them and unfamiliar with the contents of their collection (s). What we do know are the facts gleaned from the telephone interview. It is always smart to do some research for the items to be examined. This will help allay the excitement and nerves that usually kick in pre-visit. Once in the client's home, all of that melts away and you, the appraiser take charge.
Diplomacy is the first rule. Never disparage the client's personal property. How many of us have viewed what we perceive to be junk, yet the client may have inherited this or that from a beloved relative? It may not have great monetary value, but to the client it means the world. It's best not to divulge off the cuff values even if you know. Tread delicately and with authority so that when a question of value comes up, choose words carefully to avoid misinformation. Avoid commenting on the home itself and other contents. If the view is wonderful or the location is special, fair enough to mention that. Your mission is to focus on the items at hand for the appraisal.
The first visit can be a bonding experience. It may also be the only visit required with the bulk of work following the visit that includes: research, contacting other experts, composing the report, and so forth.
The necessary tools for examining artworks include; a loop, tape measure, note pad, pen, camera, extra batteries for digital cameras, and a memory card. For household contents take the same items, but add a large magnifying glass and a long tape measure. Shoot plenty of digitals which will serve as reminders of what you have examined and will document the contents.
Building confidence is key during the first visit and spending the time needed to adequately examine the personal property is vital. You need to convey pride in your work and that you are a professional.
Appraising is an old world activity and has grown into a modern industry supported by the most sophisticated technologies, methods, and tools. It is an endlessly fascinating profession.
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