Appraisal: a guide for pros
What customers ask, how to win the job, and what to put on your profile.
Offering appraisal
Customers need a trustworthy opinion of value that others will accept. Clear purpose, a full report and independence from any buying interest are your strengths.
What customers ask
- What type of value will you give?
- Will my insurer accept the report?
- Do you charge a share of the value?
- Can you also buy the item?
- How long does it take?
How to win the job
- Ask the purpose of the appraisal before quoting
- Explain the type of value you will provide and why it fits the purpose
- State that your fee does not depend on the value you find
- Disclose if you buy or sell items in the same field
- Show a sample report with details removed
- Offer to check what the insurer or receiving organization requires
What to put on your profile
- Categories you appraise
- Credentials and memberships
- Report format and what it contains
- Areas you serve, in person or remote
Follow-up that helps the customer
- Offer periodic updates for insured items
- Offer to coordinate with an estate attorney or insurer for documentation
- Send storage and photo tips to keep the record current
Licenses and permits
Personal property appraisers are generally not licensed, but check whether your state or the receiving organization requires specific credentials. Follow professional standards for reports.
Questions
Can I base my fee on the value found?
Professional standards generally advise against it.
What should a report include?
Description, photos, purpose, date, method, sources and your signature.
Pro reviewers
Pros who offer appraisal remotely can improve this guide, like Wikipedia. We check every edit before it goes live. Every approved edit is credited in the edit history and on the pro's profile.
Edit history
- Oct 29, 2026: Drafted by infinibell to our content guidelines.
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