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· What is Appraisal?
· Why get my record collection appraised?
· What music items do you appraise?
· What is it that you actually do?
· Are appraisals certified?
· What is your fee structure?
· What do I do after an Evaluation?
· Can I ask a question?
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Appraisal is the authoritative analysis and estimate of the value of property, made by a qualified professional called an “appraiser.”
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Collecting the artifacts of recorded sound — 78s, LPs, 45s, CDs, etc. — has been regarded as a hobby by other professional dealers and industry associations in areas such as coins, stamps, and art. But that view is rapidly changing.
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With the highest values for some rare records now going for $20,000, $30,000, and beyond, a rush is on to professionalize this “hobby” into one with stricter grading standards for condition, first pressing editions, historical provenance, cultural significance, and other considerations.
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Although records have been bought and sold for almost 100 years now, with many hundreds of millions of copies in the marketplace, it is important that archives be appraised as a personal asset. This information can be useful in any number of ways:
- Insurance — Scheduling, relocation, and damage/loss claims.
- Investment — Acquisition goals for near-term and future planning.
- Estate planning — Including will preparation and the equitable distribution of assets to heirs.
- Tax purposes — Estate tax, inheritance tax, charitable donation, and collateral loans.
- Family dispersal — Matrimonial dissolution and equitable distribution.
- Cataloging and preservation — Assess scope of issue and needs.
- Disbursement — Sale through retail stores, auctions, set sales, the professional dealer and collector network, and the media.
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- Recorded media: LPs, 45s, 78s, CDs, cassettes, 8-tracks.
- Packaging media: Covers and jackets for LPs, 78s, CDs, and picture sleeves for 45s and EPs.
- Memorabilia: Posters, flyers, handbills, tickets, promotional toys and gifts, press photographs and kits.
- Printed media: Magazines, newspapers, books, programs, brochures, catalogs.
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First we examine the physical item or items and note condition, edition, and other key points of recognition.
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Then we conduct extensive research to ascertain the current marketability of the item or collection, based on recent sales figures, professional consensus, trend analysis, catalogs and guides, and other materials.
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Our service concludes with a certified document that details three categories related to an item or collection:
- The current estimated retail value
(What it would cost to purchase on the open market.)
- The current estimated wholesale value
(What it would reasonably expect to sell to a dealer or store.)
- A statement of the item or collection’s overall quality level
(Condition, pressing edition, cultural or historical touchpoints, desirability.)
This document exceeds the appraisal requirements of the IRS and insurance companies.
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I follow the Appraisal Foundation’s current Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP).
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From the Appraisal Foundation Web site:
The Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery and Enforcement Act of 1989 recognizes USPAP as the generally accepted appraisal standards and requires USPAP compliance for appraisers in federally related transactions. State Appraiser Certification and Licensing Boards; federal, state, and local agencies, appraisal services; and appraisal trade associations require compliance with USPAP.
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I passed the American Society of Appraisers (ASA) Principles of Appraisal Practice and Code of Ethics exam in September 2004.
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I offer both hourly rates and set fees for standard services. Custom projects can be negotiated.
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We offer several different additional services to help with your
collection. If you’re interested in selling, we can recommend local retailers who may be interested in buying your collection. We can partner with you on Internet auction and sales sites, such as eBay. We can work through the appropriate collector’s media to advertise and sell your collection. See our Services page for other things we
can do for you.
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Check all that apply:
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© Copyright 2008, Stephen M. H. Braitman
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Music Appraiser
