How to Get an Antique Appraised in Michigan
A quick dealer opinion and a formal written appraisal serve different purposes — here's when you need each.
Informal dealer opinions
Many dealers will give a rough, informal opinion on a piece's value at no charge, especially at a multi-dealer mall where several specialists are on-site. This is useful for a quick gut check, not for insurance or estate purposes.
Formal written appraisals
For insurance, estate settlement, or donation purposes, you need a formal written appraisal from a credentialed appraiser, which typically involves a fee based on time or item count rather than a percentage of value (a percentage-based fee is a red flag for a conflict of interest).
Where to start
Large multi-dealer malls are a reasonable first stop for an informal opinion before deciding whether a formal appraisal is worth the cost.
How to Get an Antique Appraised in Michigan FAQ
Do I need a formal appraisal just to sell an antique?
Not usually — an informal dealer opinion is often enough for a sale. Formal appraisals matter more for insurance, estate, or donation purposes.
What's a red flag when hiring an antique appraiser?
A fee based on a percentage of the item's appraised value — reputable appraisers typically charge by time or per item instead, to avoid a conflict of interest.