Kentucky Art Appraisers

FAQ

What not to say to an appraiser?

What not to say to an appraiser is anything meant to influence the value, pressure a timeline unfairly, or withhold information about the piece.

Appraisers are required to form an independent opinion of value, so certain requests put that independence, and the credibility of the report, at risk. It's worth knowing what to avoid before you contact a Kentucky art appraiser for a quote or a full valuation.

Requests That Compromise an Independent Appraisal

Steer clear of the following when speaking with an appraiser:

  • "I need it to appraise for at least $X." An appraised value has to follow from market evidence, condition, and provenance, not a number you need for a loan, sale, or insurance policy.
  • "Can you leave out that repair or damage?" Condition affects value directly, so asking an appraiser to overlook flaws undermines the report's accuracy.
  • "I paid $X for it, so just use that." Purchase price and sentimental value are not the same as fair market value, and an appraiser will look past what you paid to what the piece is actually worth today.
  • "Can you also sell it for me once it's appraised?" Combining the appraisal with a sales arrangement creates a conflict of interest that a credentialed appraiser should avoid.
  • "I don't have the artist, medium, or provenance, and I'm not going to look." Withholding identifying details slows the research and can limit how thoroughly the appraiser can support the final value.

What to Say Instead

You'll get a faster, more accurate quote by sharing clear photographs (front, back, and any signatures), the artist name if known, medium, dimensions, the purpose of the appraisal (estate, insurance, donation, or otherwise), and any prior appraisals or provenance documents you have on hand. If you're working against a court date, filing deadline, or claim, say so upfront: a straightforward statement of your deadline lets the appraiser confirm whether it can be met, rather than a request to rush or bend the process.

For more on how the process works, see our FAQ.