APPRAISAL SERVICES

House of Proper offers independent antique, decorative arts and collectible appraisals grounded in archival research, market analysis, and current resale conditions. Each appraisal reflects both the object’s historical context and its realistic market value today.

 

THE APPRAISAL PROCESS

1. Complete the online Appraisal Request Form
2. Receive a quote and estimated timeline
3. Payment is collected in advance (standard practice for professional appraisals)
4. Appraisal is completed + delivered within the agreed timeframe

 

APPRAISAL SERVICES + FEES
We offer 4 different versions of services, available for individual items, collections, and estates. Each service has a fee range; factors affecting the final fee may include complexity, rarity, research required, condition, provenance, and any travel or on-site evaluation.

 

Verbal Appraisal
A professional verbal opinion of value based on visual inspection and market knowledge.

Includes:

  • Age and origin assessment
  • Market value range
  • Contextual history
  • 15–20 minute consultation
  • Follow-up summary

Fee: $75–$125 per item 

 

Written Appraisal
A formal written appraisal suitable for insurance, estate planning, or resale documentation.

Includes:

  • Detailed written report
  • Photographic documentation
  • Comparable market research
  • Defined purpose and valuation method
  • Signed and dated appraisal

Fee: $250–$350 per item

 

Estate Walk-through / Collection Review
An on-site review of multiple items with guidance on value, significance, and next steps - Ideal for executors, downsizing clients, and estate planning.

Includes:

  • Value ranges and prioritization for estate planning or sale
  • Recommendations for selling, retaining, or consigning items
  • Written summary following the visit

Fee: $250 per hour (2-hour minimum)

 

Written Appraisals for Multiple or Collections
Ideal for collections, grouped objects, or estate documentation requiring multiple entries.

Fee: Starts at $500 (quoted by scope)

 

IMPORTANT NOTES 

  • Appraisals reflect fair market value at the time of assessment
  • Values may fluctuate due to market conditions at any given time
  • House of Proper appraisals are independent and unbiased
  • Why is payment collected first? Appraisals involve research, time, professional liability, written documentation, and expertise. The fee reflects the time, research, and professional responsibility involved.

  • Why is there a fee range? Factors that may influence the fee include the number and type of items, complexity and rarity, condition, provenance or documentation, and any travel or on-site evaluation. The range ensures that each appraisal reflects the care, expertise, and professional responsibility involved in providing an accurate market valuation.

     

TERMS & DISCLAIMER
Terms & Conditions

  • All appraisals are based on the condition and information available at the time of inspection.
  • Values represent fair market value and may change due to market fluctuations.
  • House of Proper does not guarantee future resale prices.
  • Payment is required prior to delivery of appraisal services.
  • House of Proper retains the right to decline appraisal requests outside its scope of expertise. 
  • Verbal appraisals provide professional guidance and a fair market estimate but are not intended for insurance or legal purposes. 
  • A written appraisal provides a formal, documented valuation suitable for insurance, estate, or resale purposes.
  • Estate walk-throughs involve on-site assessment of multiple items within a home or estate. They provide professional guidance and valuations, but are not a substitute for formal, individual written appraisals when needed for insurance or legal purposes.
  • House of Proper operates independently and maintains no obligation to purchase or broker appraised items.

Appraisal Services are operated independently of House of Proper retail sales. No items offered for sale are appraised.