Dividing the belongings of a person's long life is a challenging exercise for an executor, one that is made even more difficult when antiques are involved. Antiques are either perceived as "worthless" or "very valuable". It all depends on whom you talk to, so make certain you take the time to talk to an expert!

 

This is where a professional organization like SOMETHING TO SELL ABOUT is invaluable. Occasionally family members have been told by a parent or relative, a particular item is very valuable, or very old. This may or may not be the case, but it is what they believe and herein lies the conundrum. Family members usually accept these statements as the truth - after all, shouldn't the owner knows how old something they own is? The answer, interestingly enough is, "not always."

 

What to Do

 

The first thing an executor needs to do is find a professional appraiser or a dealer that has been in business for many years to help them do an evaluation. If the estate is large, complex, potentially very valuable it is worth the additional expense to get an appraiser who specializes in antiques - something a regular property appraiser will not do. With over 35 years of experience, in the appraisal and liquidation of estates, SOMETHING TO SELL ABOUT can step in and accomplish this.

 

If the estate includes a large collection of jewelry it would be prudent to include the appraisal of a jewelry specialist. Keep in mind however that a jeweler may not know the values of antique jewelry, there is an intrinsic value for older pieces.

 

Once you have an idea of the value of the objects in the estate, you will have to make a decision about how to disperse of the items or split them fairly in the family. If you need help with appraisals or information on how to disperse with an estate, please contact us directly or by telephone. We offer written general appraisals, sales at the home or in another location. References available upon request.