- Why do I need an appraisal?
- Is an insurance appraisal different from a pure valuation appraisal?
- How often should I have my fine antiques and art appraised?
- How is value determined?
- How much will my appraisal cost?
- How long will the appraisal take?
- What is the best way to sell my items?
- How can you help me with an item I would like to acquire?
- Can you appraise an entire estate?
Why do I need an appraisal?
There are a number of reasons to have your antiques, jewelry and fine art appraised, from simple curiosity to complex estate management. Perhaps one of the most important reasons is for insurance purposes. Most homeowner’s policies do not fully cover the cost of your antiques, jewelry and fine art. It may be necessary to insure these valuables on a separate policy…in order to adequately insure these pieces, you must know how much they are worth. If you are donating one of your pieces to a charity, the IRS will require a professional appraisal on all items exceeding $5,000. Professional appraisals can also help with divorce settlements, estate planning and probate. If you are planning on disbursing or building a collection, it is wise to know the value of the pieces you own.
Is an insurance appraisal different from a retail value?
As a rule, the retail value of your piece will be about the same as the insurance/replacement value.
How often should I have my fine antiques and art appraised?
The value of your antiques, jewelry and fine art can change, dependent on many factors. If there is a change in the condition of your piece, that can certainly affect value. Market conditions and trends can also affect the value…what was trendy and popular 20 years ago, may not be today. Conversely, something that was worth very little 20 years ago, can be very valuable on today’s market. How often you have your pieces appraised may also depend on the reason for your appraisal.
How is value determined?
There are many factors that determine value. We will use all of the resources we have available to determine the value of your antique, jewelry or artwork dependent on it’s rarity, maker, condition, and provenance.
How much will my appraisal cost?
Each appraisal is different. We have a $25 minimum charge which will usuall cover the cost for a quick verbal appraisal on very familiar pieces. Pieces that require more research, or those that require a written appraisal, will be charged accordingly. Remember, your appraisal does not begin until you have approved the cost. We will never bill you for any unapproved costs.
How long will my appraisal take?
There are no hard and fast rules regarding how much time each appraisal will take. Remember, each appraisal in handled on an individual basis. We strive to provide you with the most accurate and professional appraisal, which often requires research and consultation with our network of experts. Rest assured we will complete your appraisal as quickly as possible. For more common pieces, your appraisal may only take 24 hours.
What is the best way to sell my items?
Selling your items can be complicated, and the best way actually depends on you. How quickly do you need to sell? How many items do you have to sell? Peenstra Antiques Appraisals can help you evaluate the best way to disburse single items or an entire collection. That might mean using a number of avenues to sell your pieces. If you have pieces you would like to sell, please call us at 410-280-2262 or send an email to tpeenstra@gmail.com.
How can you help me with an item I would like to acquire?
Todd Peenstra has spend more than two decades assisting clients in building their collections. Whether you are a first time antiques and art buyers or a seasoned collector, Todd can offer his knowledge, perspective and insight, along with a network of contacts around the world. If you would like to discuss your acqusition needs, please call 410-280-2262 or send an email to tpeenstra@gmail.com.
Can you appraise an entire estate?
Yes! Peenstra Antiques Appraisers can assist you with the valuation of your estate, including contemporary contents. Todd Peenstra will make a personal visit to assess your estate and provide you with an estimate on the appraisal. Please call 410-280-2262 or email tpeenstra@gmail.com to arrange for an estate appraisal.
How is value determined?
There are many factors that determine value. We will use all of the resources we have available to determine the value of your antique, jewelry or artwork dependent on it’s rarity, maker, condition, and provenance.
How much will my appraisal cost?
Each appraisal is different. We have a $25 minimum charge which will usuall cover the cost for a quick verbal appraisal on very familiar pieces. Pieces that require more research, or those that require a written appraisal, will be charged accordingly. Remember, your appraisal does not begin until you have approved the cost. We will never bill you for any unapproved costs.
How long will my appraisal take?
There are no hard and fast rules regarding how much time each appraisal will take. Remember, each appraisal in handled on an individual basis. We strive to provide you with the most accurate and professional appraisal, which often requires research and consultation with our network of experts. Rest assured we will complete your appraisal as quickly as possible. For more common pieces, your appraisal may only take 24 hours.
What is the best way to sell my items?
Selling your items can be complicated, and the best way actually depends on you. How quickly do you need to sell? How many items do you have to sell? Peenstra Antiques Appraisals can help you evaluate the best way to disburse single items or an entire collection. That might mean using a number of avenues to sell your pieces. If you have pieces you would like to sell, please call us at 410-280-2262 or send an email to tpeenstra@gmail.com.
How can you help me with an item I would like to acquire?
Todd Peenstra has spend more than two decades assisting clients in building their collections. Whether you are a first time antiques and art buyers or a seasoned collector, Todd can offer his knowledge, perspective and insight, along with a network of contacts around the world. If you would like to discuss your acqusition needs, please call 410-280-2262 or send an email 
to tpeenstra@gmail.com.
Can you appraise an entire estate?
Yes! Peenstra Antiques Appraisers can assist you with the valuation of your estate, including contemporary contents. Todd Peenstra will make a personal visit to assess your estate and provide you with an estimate on the appraisal. Please call 410-280-2262 (Office) or 202-557-5500 (Cell), or email tpeenstra@gmail.com to arrange for an estate appraisal.
