Estimate vs appraisal
| Our estimate | Certified appraisal | |
|---|---|---|
| Who does it | Software, from your photo | A qualified appraiser who examines the item |
| Standard | Our published method | USPAP (Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice) |
| Cost | First one free, then from $0.17 | Usually an hourly or flat fee |
| Time | While you wait | Days to weeks |
| Checks authenticity | No | Often, or refers you to a specialist |
| Accepted by insurers, the IRS and courts | No | Yes |
| Good for | Deciding whether to sell, keep, or pay for an appraisal | Insurance, estates, donations, disputes |
When you need a certified appraisal
- Scheduling a valuable item on a homeowner's or renter's insurance policy
- Estates and probate
- Donating an item you plan to deduct: the IRS generally requires a qualified appraisal for non-cash donations over $5,000 (IRS Publication 561)
- Divorce settlements and other legal disputes
- Selling anything you believe is worth more than a few thousand dollars
How to find a qualified appraiser
Search the member directories of the American Society of Appraisers, the Appraisers Association of America or the International Society of Appraisers. Pick one who specializes in your kind of item.
Two warning signs: an appraiser who charges a percentage of the item's value, and one who offers to buy the item they just appraised. Both are conflicts of interest under appraisal ethics standards.
Limits of a photo-based estimate
A photo can't show authenticity, metal purity, gemstone quality, whether something works, hidden damage or who owned it before. Each of these can change the value a lot. See the full list and who can check each one.
The formal wording
Valuations provided by howmuchisitworth are AI-generated estimates for general information only. They are not appraisals, are not prepared under USPAP, and are not financial, tax, legal or insurance advice. We do not inspect or authenticate items and do not guarantee that any item will sell at any price.