Why art appraisals are essential before selling your art piece.

Why Art Appraisals Are Essential Before Selling Your Art Piece

Selling a piece of art can be both an exciting and daunting experience. Whether you’ve inherited a valuable painting, acquired a rare sculpture, or created an artwork of your own, determining its true value is crucial before putting it on the market. This is where an art appraisal comes in. An art appraisal is more than just a price estimate — it’s a professional evaluation that ensures you get the most value from your piece.

Here’s a closer look at why art appraisals are essential before selling your artwork.

1. Determine the True Market Value

The art market is dynamic, with values constantly fluctuating based on factors like artist reputation, collector demand, and market trends. Without a professional appraisal, you risk significantly underpricing or overpricing your artwork.

How an appraisal helps:

Fair Market Value: The appraiser determines the current price your artwork would likely sell for on the open market.

Comparable Sales Analysis: The appraiser looks at recent sales of similar works to assess the likely value of your piece.

Artist-Specific Insights: If the artist is currently trending in the art world, this could boost the artwork’s value.

Knowing the fair market value allows you to set a competitive asking price, ensuring you don't leave money on the table.

2. Attract Serious Buyers

Buyers are more likely to engage when they know the artwork has been appraised. An official appraisal report builds confidence and trust between you and potential buyers.

Why this matters:

Transparency: Buyers feel reassured that the price reflects the true market value.

Credibility: It shows that you’ve done your due diligence and have an independent, third-party valuation.

Negotiation Power: With an official appraisal in hand, you can avoid lowball offers and justify your asking price.

When selling high-value pieces, especially to collectors, galleries, or auction houses, having an appraisal is a sign of professionalism and legitimacy.

3. Avoid Pricing Mistakes

Without an appraisal, you may price your artwork too high or too low. Both mistakes can cost you in different ways:

Overpricing: This can drie buyers away, making it difficult to sell the piece. Buyers have access to online art market data and can easily spot inflated prices.

Underpricing: If you unknowingly set the price too low, you could lose thousands of dollars in potential profit.

How an appraisal helps:

The appraiser factors in the medium, condition, artist reputation, and art market trends to provide a precise valuation.

You avoid relying on guesswork, emotional attachment, or misinformation, which can distort your price expectations.

With a professional appraisal, you’ll have a realistic view of your art's worth, ensuring you don’t make costly pricing errors.

4. Ensure a Smooth Sale Process

When you have a formal appraisal report, it becomes easier to sell your artwork through different channels. Private collectors, galleries, and auction houses often require an appraisal to verify the value of the piece.

Key benefits:

Faster Sales Process: Buyers and auction houses can make quicker purchase decisions when they see an official valuation.

Fewer Disputes: If a buyer questions the value, you can present a certified report to support your asking price.

Multiple Selling Options: Auction houses, galleries, and online platforms often require appraisal documentation before listing your artwork.

Having an official appraisal in hand allows for a more straightforward, transparent sales process.

5. Identify Hidden Value

Sometimes, what seems like a decorative piece could turn out to be a hidden treasure. An experienced appraiser can identify unique characteristics that increase the value of your artwork.

Examples of hidden value:

Signatures and Artist Marks: An appraiser can identify signatures, stamps, or other marks that authenticate the artist's work.

Historical Significance: If the artwork was featured in exhibitions, collections, or belonged to a notable figure, its value increases.

Condition Reports: Knowing the true condition of the artwork can reveal restoration opportunities that increase its value.

With an appraisal, you may discover your piece is worth more than you initially expected, especially if it has historical or cultural significance.

6. Required for Insurance and Legal Purposes

If you plan to sell through an auction house, online marketplace, or gallery, you may be required to present an official appraisal. Moreover, in some legal cases, such as inheritance or divorce settlements, appraisals are legally required to establish fair market value.

Why this matters:

Proof of Value: If you’re questioned about the value of your artwork, an appraisal acts as undeniable proof.

Legal Compliance: Certain sales, such as estate settlements or divorce proceedings, may require appraised values to divide assets fairly.

Insurance Coverage: If the artwork remains in your possession during the selling process, it should be insured. An appraisal ensures you have proper insurance coverage in case of loss or damage.

An appraisal ensures you’re fully prepared for any legal or procedural requirements that arise when selling high-value items.

7. Access Verdan Appraisals’ Online Services for Convenience

Getting an art appraisal no longer requires in-person visits from an appraiser. With Verdan Appraisals' online services, you can submit information and photos of your artwork from the comfort of your home.

How it works:

1. Upload Images and Documentation: Submit clear photos of your artwork, along with its history, provenance, and any supporting documents.

2. Appraiser Review: Our professional appraisers review your submission and conduct thorough research.

3. Receive an Official Report: You receive a certified, professional report that you can use to sell, insure, or document your artwork.

This process saves you time, travel, and stress, making it easier to prepare for a sale, whether you're dealing with a single item or an entire collection.

Final Thoughts

An art appraisal is not just a formality — it’s a smart investment in your financial future. It ensures you know the real value of your art, strengthens your negotiation position, and speeds up the selling process. With Verdan Appraisals' online appraisal services, you can easily obtain a certified appraisal without leaving your home.

Whether you're selling a modern painting, a classic sculpture, or a rare print, having an appraisal in hand ensures that you approach the market with confidence and clarity. Don't guess the value of your art — know it.

Ready to sell your artwork with confidence?

Get started with Verdan Appraisals’ fast, accurate, and convenient online art appraisal services today.