How to Prepare for a House Call

Contact Skinner Appraisal Services at 508-970-3299 to learn more about arranging a house call.

1. Get organized and plan ahead

Make sure all of the objects you’d like to show the appraiser are readily available and easily accessible. If all of grandma’s silver is wrapped up in boxes in the attic, bring it down and take it out of the boxes before the appraiser arrives.

Skinner appraisers will guide you through the house call process with sensitivity and professionalism. We ask that you help us help you by resolving any conflicts surrounding ownership or disposition of any items you may wish to consign.

2. A little dust doesn’t hurt

Take grandma’s silver out of the boxes in the attic before your house call, but don’t polish it! There’s no need to prepare or clean your property before a house call, and in fact, experts discourage it. Seeing objects in “as is” condition helps an appraiser understand an object’s history and well-meaning but overzealous cleaning can sometimes damage a delicate object, or remove patination and original surface.

3. Gather any relevant documentation or paperwork

Do you have identifying documents for any of your property? Receipts of purchase? Certificates of authenticity? The more information you can provide us with about your items, the better. This documentation will ensure a more accurate valuation, and often identifying paperwork can add value to your consignment.

4. Share family stories

Talk to your family and be prepared to share what you know about the property. The following information is often helpful:

• How long has each item been in your family or your possession?
• Who has owned it?
• Where did each item come from and when was it purchased or gifted?

On occasion, we find that these stories are little more than family lore, but most times they can provide clues to an item’s provenance and authenticity.

5. Don’t worry if you missed a consignment deadline

Skinner’s twenty specialty departments hold auctions on a rotating schedule. Even if you’ve missed one consignment deadline, another auction will be coming soon.

In fact, one secret to auction success is consigning your property early. Consigning well in advance of an auction date gives the auction house the necessary time it takes to research, catalog, photograph, advertise, market, and promote your pieces to buyers, often resulting in higher prices for your property.

6. Keep an open mind

At your home, a Skinner appraiser will give you a professional opinion of the value of your items. The appraiser bases these auction estimates on expert knowledge of the current market and comparisons to similar items that have sold recently. Upon receiving those estimates, you can then decide which pieces you would like to consign. If an appraiser tells you your item is not auctionable, trust their advice. New items and items below a certain price point typically don’t sell well at auction. Both the auction house and the consignor want objects to achieve maximum value at auction.

You can consign items on the spot, or take some time and talk to your family before making the decision. A Skinner truck can be scheduled to pick up large items or furniture at a later date.

Read more about selling at Skinner