Dear Eric: What do you think about a person that asks to come to your house for dinner, then asks for leftovers to take home? I was taken aback by this. This is a relative of ours.
—Home Cook
Dear Cook: I think it’s a sign that the meal was good enough to want to enjoy it a second time. I’d take it as a compliment. And if you don’t want to part with the leftovers, you can say “no.”
Dear Eric: I would like to expand on your answer to “Heirlooms and More” regarding where collectors can go to gather information on the value of their antiques and other items.
Certified appraisers are the best source for appraisals of valuable possessions. These individuals have specialties in different collecting areas and can provide up-to-date valuations under different scenarios such as replacement, auction, and retail shop value. Collectors can research appraisers online by visiting the websites of the Appraisers Association of America (AAA), American Society of Appraisers (ASA), and the International Society of Appraisers (ISA). Appraisers should not charge a percentage of the items’ value nor offer to purchase any items since both these activities can affect the valuation provided.
Major auction houses periodically offer free appraisal days. Finally, there are various price guides (Kovels, for example) that can be consulted which report values of different objects sold at auctions, shows, flea markets, and shops.
Local antique dealers are usually not helpful unless the dealers are specialists in the collecting area of the items’ owners. In general, collectors should have an appraisal completed by a certified appraiser before approaching any prospective buyers of their objects. Knowledge is the best tool to ensure the items are sold at prices commensurate with their value.
—Fair Appraisal
Dear Appraisal: Thank you for this very thorough insight. Other readers also suggested that the letter writer reach out to a professional downsizer, who might be able to help them get organized and connect the family with an appraiser. There are many good options. I appreciate your comment.
(Send questions to R. Eric Thomas at eric@askingeric.com or P.O. Box 22474, Philadelphia, PA 19110. Follow him on Instagram and sign up for his weekly newsletter at rericthomas.com.)
©2024 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
