Is It Worth Getting Something Appraised? What You Need to Know
As an appraiser, one of the most common questions I hear from potential clients is:
“Do you think it’s worth it to get this appraised?”
I understand where this question comes from. You're weighing time, cost, and value — trying to decide if something deserves the attention and expense of a formal valuation.
But here’s the honest truth: I can’t answer that question for you — and when acting as an appraiser, ethically, I’m not allowed to.
Why Appraisers Can’t Answer That Question
As a professional appraiser, I am bound by the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP). These standards are what ensure that appraisal work is impartial, defensible, and respected by courts, insurance companies, the IRS, and other stakeholders.
Under the ETHICS RULE, an appraiser must perform assignments with “independence, impartiality, and objectivity” (USPAP, p. 9). That means I cannot make assumptions about value before completing the assignment.
“An appraiser must perform assignments with impartiality, objectivity, and independence, and without the accommodation of personal interests.
An appraiser:
-must not perform an assignment with bias
-must not advocate the cause or interest of any party or issue
-must not agree to perform an assignment that includes the reporting of predetermined opinions and conclusions.”
So when someone asks, “Is it worth getting this appraised?” — they’re asking me to form an opinion without doing the work. That’s not just speculative; it’s a direct violation of the standards I am required to uphold.
USPAP Also Prohibits Me From Acting as an Advocate
Even if I wanted to help you decide whether to get something appraised, I cannot act in a way that could be construed as advocating for or against a particular outcome. The ETHICS RULE makes this very clear:
“An appraiser must not agree to perform an assignment, or have a compensation arrangement for an assignment, that is contingent on any of the following:
1. the reporting of a predetermined result (e.g. opinion of value);
2. a direction in assignment results that favors the cause of the client;
3. the amount of a value opinion
4. the attainment of a stipulated result (e.g. that the loan closes, or taxes are reduced); or
5. the occurrence of a subsequent event directly related to the appraiser’s opinions and specific to the assignment’s purpose”
That includes advocating for whether or not you should spend money on an appraisal. If I blur the line between neutral valuation professional and personal advisor — even with good intentions — I risk compromising the credibility of the report.
Everyone Has Different Reasons for Getting an Appraisal
I understand the intention behind the question. People want to make an informed decision. But it's important to understand that value is context-driven. One person may need an appraisal to satisfy IRS documentation for a $50,000 donation. Another may want to document the only object they kept from a parent’s estate, regardless of resale value. Someone else might be preparing for an equitable distribution of assets in a divorce.
Appraisers don’t evaluate your motivations. We determine value according to a clearly defined intended use, using accepted methodology. If you’re looking for someone to help you decide whether it’s worth your time or money — that’s not an appraisal. That’s advisory.
This is why asking “Is it worth it?” misses the point. The real question is:
“Do I need a credible, impartial opinion of value for a specific purpose?”
If the answer is yes, then a USPAP-compliant appraisal is worth it, regardless of whether the item is “valuable” in market terms.
Low Market Value Doesn’t Equal Low Time Commitment
People are often surprised to learn that lower-value items often take more time to appraise. Well-documented pieces by known artists have established markets and published sales. But when a work is by an unknown or under-documented artist, I may have to build a market narrative from scratch — researching regional exhibitions, lesser-known auction houses, or estate sales data.
That level of investigation takes time. So regardless of the outcome, I maintain a minimum fee for all appraisal projects. The amount of time required to meet USPAP’s Scope of Work Rule and to produce a credible report is substantial, regardless of the outcome. Even for seemingly minor items, I am still responsible for delivering a report that meets all professional obligations.
“An appraiser must not allow assignment conditions to limit the scope of work to such a degree that the assignment results are not credible in the context of the intended use.”
Advisory Is a Service
Art advisory is different from appraisal. It’s not governed by USPAP because it is not a valuation assignment. It’s consultative. And like other professional services (e.g. wealth management or estate law) it requires expertise, discretion, and time.
When you hire me in an advisory capacity, I can help you:
Assess the market viability of a work
Strategize divestment opportunities
Decide whether further research or authentication is warranted
But advisory is a paid service. It is not something I provide through back-and-forth emails or quick calls. I don’t offer “ballpark” opinions, “gut checks,” or guidance on whether to “hold or sell” unless I’m formally retained. Doing so would blur the line between professional and personal interest, and undermine the boundaries that protect the integrity of both advisory and appraisal work.
Bottom Line: “Is It Worth It?” Is a Personal Decision
Consider the role of a certified public accountant: one would not reasonably expect a CPA to determine whether a client will receive a tax refund without first reviewing the relevant financial records and completing the necessary calculations. While many professionals offer introductory consultations to discuss scope and fit, detailed guidance comes only after engagement and analysis.
The same principle applies to appraisal. An opinion of value is not a casual estimate offered as a favor; it is the product of structured research, critical judgment, and professional standards. It is, quite literally, the deliverable.
I am always happy to outline the types of services I provide, explain my process, and discuss associated fees. That initial conversation is intended to determine whether your needs align with my expertise — not to provide advance conclusions. If you’re seeking a quick answer about whether something is “worth it,” you are, in essence, asking for the very thing a formal engagement is designed to deliver.
When people ask me if it’s worth it to get an appraisal, here’s what I wish they knew:
As an appraiser, I’m not ethically permitted to answer that
The value of an appraisal is often contextual, not financial
What’s “worth it” to you may depend on family legacy, peace of mind, or planning needs
As an appraiser, my job is to provide credible, unbiased information — not to steer your decisions
If you’re not sure whether an appraisal is right for you, I’ve made it easy to figure out:
This quiz will walk you through common reasons people get appraisals and help you understand what kind of service might best meet your needs.
Let’s stop asking whether something is “worth it” and start asking the better questions:
“What do I need to know and why do I need to know it?”
