New England Certified Appraisals

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Rockport, MA
New England Certified Appraisals

CERTIFIED APPRAISAL SERVICE
Probate
Insurance
Estate Division
Tax Donations

Serving New England since 2014

ESTATE LIQUIDATION SALES &
CERTIFIED APPRAISAL SERVICE
Fremont, NH 03044
603-306-7926
[email protected]
Probate Appraisals
Insurance Appraisals
Equitable Distribution
Tax Deductible Donations
Pre-Move Inspections

04/25/2025

New! Quick Value Checks Available

Have a few items you're curious about?
I now offer informal online appraisals for small groups of items—perfect for those “is this worth anything?” moments.

Send clear photos and a description, and I’ll provide a ballpark value range.

🔹 Great for family items, flea market finds, and curiosity pieces
🔹 Not for insurance or legal use
🔹 Just $10 for up to 3 items

Message me to get started!

04/22/2025

“It’s Probably Not Worth Anything…”

That’s the line I hear right before someone pulls out something worth a small fortune.

It might be a dusty box of military pins, a painting that’s been in the family forever, or a piece of pottery they’ve been using as a doorstop.

Here’s the truth: You don’t have to know what something’s worth. That’s my job.

Most folks aren’t experts in 19th-century glass, vintage toys, or mid-century furniture—and they don’t have to be.

But when it comes time to settle an estate, divide things fairly, donate, or insure valuables, that “probably nothing” might become “actually something.”

So don’t toss it. Don’t guess.
Just ask—I’m happy to take a look.

04/21/2025

Junk on the Curb. Treasure in Plain Sight.

This weekend while driving, I spotted a freshly dumped pile of household stuff at the side of the road—free for the taking.

Naturally, I pulled over.
Dresser drawers full of old glassware… stacks of dishes… a glass-front bookcase with old books—most folks would have driven right by.

But in the middle of it all, I spotted something special:
An 1840s Stoddard GII-88 double eagle flask, olive amber, open pontil, double dot oval. Perfect condition.

Estimated value? About $350.

Moral of the story?

Just because something’s old, dusty, or taking up space in a closet, attic, or basement doesn’t mean it’s worthless.

This is why people call in an expert—because sometimes, the treasure isn’t obvious… until someone with trained eyes spots it.

So whether you’re cleaning out, downsizing, or dealing with an estate—pause before tossing. You might be sitting on value and not even know it.

📍 Rockport, MA
🧭 Serving MA, NH, and ME
📞 603-306-7926
📧 [email protected]

04/20/2025

Easter Eggs, Surprises, and Hidden Value

Happy Easter to all who celebrate! 🐣🌷

This time of year has a way of reminding us that surprises come in small packages—and sometimes, the most unexpected things turn out to be the most meaningful.

In my line of work, I see “Easter eggs” all year long:

A rare pin-back button found in a desk drawer

A valuable painting tucked behind a door

A vintage toy in a box labeled “junk”

Some items are priceless in sentiment. Others? Genuinely valuable in the marketplace. But you never really know… until you take a closer look.

So today, whether you're hunting eggs, enjoying time with loved ones, or just relaxing with spring in the air—I hope you find something delightful and unexpected.

And if you come across something curious in the attic or closet—feel free to ask. I’m always happy to take a peek.

04/19/2025

What’s in an Appraisal Report, Anyway?

You might be wondering—when you hire an appraiser, what exactly do you get?

Here’s what a certified personal property appraisal report typically includes:

📄 A detailed written report, not just a verbal opinion
📷 Photos of each item being appraised
📌 Clear descriptions, including maker, era, condition, and relevant history
💰 A defined value type—Fair Market, Replacement Cost, or another, depending on your needs
📚 Market-based research and comparables
✅ My certification, credentials, and a signed declaration that the report is unbiased and USPAP-compliant

Whether it’s for probate court, insurance, donation, or equitable division, this is documentation you can rely on.

It’s not about guessing. It’s about getting it right—and giving you the confidence to move forward with clarity.

Have a question about appraisals or what kind of value you might need? Just ask—I’m happy to help.

📍 Rockport, MA
🧭 Serving MA, NH, and ME
📞 603-306-7926
📧 [email protected]

04/16/2025

Writing a Will? It Helps to Know What You’re Actually Leaving Behind.

If you’re working on a will—or helping someone else write one—it’s worth knowing what you’re bequeathing.

Sometimes folks divide things “equally”… without realizing that one heir’s “old chair” is actually a $2,000 design classic, and another’s “fancy vase” is worth maybe $20 on a good day.

A professional appraisal helps you:

Understand the real value of your personal property

Distribute items fairly (or unfairly, if that’s your thing 😄)

Avoid surprises, arguments, or hard feelings down the line

Leave a legacy that’s thoughtful and clear

I’ve been appraising full-time since 2014 and working in antiques since 1991. If you’re drafting a will—or assisting someone who is—I’d be happy to take a look and help bring clarity to the process.

📍 Rockport, MA
🧭 Serving MA, NH, and ME
📞 603-306-7926
📧 [email protected]

04/15/2025

You Never Know What You’ll Find

One of the things I love about this work is that you truly never know what’s going to turn up.

Over the years, I’ve appraised:

An original 1930s Mickey Mouse pin-back found in a dusty desk drawer—later sold on eBay for over $300 by the owner

A mid-century lamp someone had been using to dry socks

A 14k gold thimble discovered in a sewing kit

And yes… a taxidermy squirrel in a tuxedo (still unforgettable)

Sometimes the most valuable items are the ones people are least likely to notice.

That’s why it pays to have a second set of eyes—especially when settling an estate, downsizing, or just doing a good old-fashioned attic clean-out.

If you’ve ever had a surprise like that—or think you might—give me a call. I’d be happy to take a look.

📍 Rockport, MA
🧭 Serving MA, NH, and ME
📞 603-306-7926
📧 [email protected]

04/14/2025

From Antiques Dealer to Appraiser—It All Started in 1991

Before I ever wrote a formal appraisal report, I spent years doing something that laid the perfect foundation for it: buying and selling antiques.

I’ve been in the antiques world since 1991—scouting out estates, setting up at shows, researching obscure makers, handling everything from Victorian furniture to mid-century modern to items that defy categorization altogether.

That experience gave me:

An instinct for spotting quality

A nose for authenticity

And a lifetime of hands-on market knowledge

By the time I became a certified personal property appraiser, I’d already handled thousands of objects. I knew what people wanted, what they overlooked, and how values could shift over time.

The antique world doesn’t just teach you what things are worth—it teaches you how to see. And that’s what I bring to every appraisal I do today.

If you ever need a second set of eyes on something, I’m happy to take a look. Whether it's for probate, donation, insurance—or just plain curiosity.

📍 Based in Rockport, MA
🧭 Serving Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine
📞 603-306-7926
📧 [email protected]

04/13/2025

What’s It Worth? (Take a Guess!)

Let’s say you spot this at a yard sale:

🪑 A pair of sculptural wire mesh side chairs—sleek mid-century style
🧽 A little surface rust, but structurally solid
🏷️ No tags, no labels—just a $40 price for the pair

What’s your guess on their real value?

A) $100
B) $300
C) $800+
D) Depends on the buyer?

These are the kinds of finds that make estate sales and thrift stores worth the stop. Clean lines, solid construction, and a little something that makes you go, “Hmm… this might be something.”

What do you think they’re worth?

Drop your best guess below 👇 I’ll reveal more in the next day or two.

04/12/2025

When It’s Time to Divide the Estate—Keeping It Fair Between Siblings

Inheriting a loved one’s estate can be both a gift and a burden—especially when siblings are left to divide what remains.

I’ve worked with many families during this emotional and often delicate time. The truth is, dividing up a lifetime of belongings isn’t just about money—it’s about memories, meaning, and fairness.

That’s where I come in.

Sentimental Value vs. Market Value
One of the biggest challenges siblings face is separating emotional attachment from actual worth.

Maybe an old armoire reminds one sibling of childhood holidays. Maybe Dad’s worn-out tool chest holds no monetary value, but carries emotional weight for the one who worked beside him.

On the other hand, something that looks ordinary—like a mid-century lamp or a painting no one’s paid attention to—might be worth thousands on today’s market.

That’s why having an unbiased, certified appraisal can make all the difference.

What a Professional Appraisal Offers:
Clarity: Know the true market value of each item, not just a guess or assumption.

Neutrality: Prevent family tension by bringing in an independent third party.

Documentation: Ensure the estate is handled fairly and, if needed, legally supported.

Peace of Mind: Avoid resentment by creating a transparent process everyone can trust.

It’s Not Just About Stuff
When I walk into a home after a loss, I don’t just see furniture and collectibles. I see the stories behind them. I treat every item—no matter how small—with respect, because I know how much it can matter to the people left behind.

Helping siblings navigate this process isn’t just a job—it’s a privilege.

If your family is beginning the estate settlement process, I’d be honored to help. Whether it’s a few key items or an entire household, I’ll provide the clarity you need to move forward—together.

04/11/2025

Born to Find It: From Attic Discoveries to Professional Appraisals

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Rockport, MA

Website

https://www.NECertifiedAppraisals.com/, https://www.certifiedappraisersguild.com/united-states/rockport/top-level-catego

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