Appraisals
What Is My Collection Worth?
With the click of a button, it may seem easy to determine what your items are worth by searching online. However, this can often be misleading. “Asking prices” on selling platforms are often significantly inflated, and many sites charge commissions that can exceed 50% while also encouraging “best offers.” For example, an item listed at $1,000 may receive an offer of $500 and if accepted, the seller will net only $250 after commission.
At Gardner Galleries, our appraisers bring nearly 100 years of combined experience in the auction industry and are all accredited through the Canadian Association of Personal Property Appraisers. In addition to our in‑house expertise, we work closely with a national network of art and antique dealers and maintain subscriptions to professional databases that reflect actual sale prices—not speculative listings. Because market conditions shift rapidly, the value of certain collectibles can rise or fall dramatically within only a few years. Our appraisers monitor these trends closely to provide accurate, up‑to‑date valuations.
Types Of Appraisals
Estate appraisals for probate purposes are completed on behalf of estate executors, law firms, and trust companies in London and the surrounding area. An estate appraisal is a legal document that establishes the fair market value of property, typically for the administration of probate or the settlement of a will.
A fair market value appraisal is based on the sales comparison approach and reflects the price that would reasonably be exchanged between a willing, informed buyer and seller. Auction sale records are a primary reference in determining an item’s true value within the most relevant and open market.
Please note that Gardner Galleries does not conduct appraisals for divorce or separation matters.
Can I Send Photographs?
Most estate executors already have photographs saved to their mobile device, and the majority of household furnishings can be accurately valued from these images. We accept photos by email and text, and larger files may be sent through OneDrive, Google Drive, PDF or similar platforms.
Items of higher value—such as jewellery or fine art—may require an in‑person examination by one of our appraisers. This will be determined once the initial images have been reviewed.
Appraisal Cost
For a certified professional appraisal, our fee is $300.00 per hour plus HST, with a one‑hour minimum. Appraisals may be completed using photographs; however, if an on‑site visit is required, a higher rate may be quoted and mileage charge per kilometer may also apply.
For additional information regarding the above services, please contact our office.
Free Auction Estimates & A Visit To Your Home
For those interested in selling at auction, Gardner Galleries provides complimentary preliminary estimates based on photographs emailed to info@gardnergalleries.com. When multiple items are submitted, our appraisers will offer an estimated total value for the collection as a whole.
If you require valuations for each individual item, this constitutes a formal appraisal and is subject to a fee (see above for details). Please note that Gardner Galleries does not provide free estimates for the purpose of selling items on platforms such as Kijiji or Facebook Marketplace.
If you are considering selling an entire estate or household with Gardner Galleries and are located in Southwestern Ontario, the first step is to send photographs or a list of the items available to the email address above. Only one representative image of each room is required, and an appraiser will contact you within 48 hours after reviewing the contents and discuss suitability. Following this initial review, we can arrange an in‑person appointment to assess the items in greater detail at no additional cost, and outline the entire auction process.
For more information or to discuss your specific situation, please contact our office.
