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Intro:
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| Always get a second opinion. If you're unsure whether to use an auction house or gallery, why not try both? If you take advantage of the free clinics and the free verbal appraisals, a second or third opinion won't cost you a thing. |
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Just as you probably wouldn't choose a financial advisor or a doctor without putting some amount of research into that specialist's qualifications and reputation, locating the right appraiser for your painting also takes some consideration. With so many appraisers and auction houses listed in the yellow pages, how do you know who to trust? Obtaining a referral to an appraiser from a reputable source is a prudent way to start. You have several options when pursuing a referral. National appraisal accreditation organizations. Just as other professionals are often registered with umbrella organizations, there are national appraisal organizations that set standards and accredit fine art appraisers. With a quick phone call to your local fine art gallery, you can learn the name of an appraisal accreditation organization. Call the appraisal organization and ask for an appraiser in your geographic area. Some of these organizations may have their own websites that list accredited appraisers. Fine art museums. Although your local fine art museum might not handle appraisals, it's a good place to ask for a referral. You can even double-check its referral with a national appraisal organization. Art galleries and antique shops. Many galleries and antique shops have their own appraisers on the premises, and some offer free, quick verbal appraisals. If the gallery or antique shop doesn't work with your painting's particular artist, style, or period, they can often refer you to an appraiser or gallery that does. Auction houses. Auction houses often have free appraisal clinics once or twice a week at designated times. You can find out when these clinics take place by calling the auction houses. Check in the yellow pages to see if there's one near you. The Internet. In most search engines, you can type in "art appraisal" and end up with quite a few listings for online appraisal services. |
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Do your research
