Appraisals
What is my collection worth?
With the click of a button, I can instantly see what my items are worth by searching online, right? Well, this may not be entirely true. Try not to be misled by the "asking prices" of items for sale, as these can be highly inflated. Many selling platforms charge commissions upwards of 50%, and accept "best offers". As an example, an item with an asking price of $1000 may only receive an offer of $500, and after commission the seller will net $250.
Gardner Galleries have appraisers on staff with nearly 100 years of combined experience in the auction industry and are all accredited with the Canadian Association of Personal Property Appraisers. We also work with a close network of art and antique dealers across the country, and hold subscriptions to online databases which reflect the true sale price of an item. The market is always changing and an item's value may have increased or decreased exponentially in the span of only a few years. Our appraisers follow these market trends closely.
Types of Appraisals
Estate appraisals for probate purposes are conducted for estate executors, law firms & trust companies in London and surrounding area. An estate appraisal is a legal document that determines the fair market value of property, usually to complete probate and/or settle a will.
An appraisal for fair market value is the value of an item based on the sales comparison approach, and is defined as the price that would change hands between a willing and informed buyer and seller. Auction sale records are a key factor in determining an item's true value in the most relevant and open market.
Please note Gardner Galleries does not conduct divorce/separation appraisals.
Appraisal Cost
For a professional certified appraisal, our fee is $300.00/hour plus HST with a one-hour minimum. If located outside of London, a mileage charge per kilometer may also be added. If a visit to your residence is not possible, photographs can also be emailed and a signed copy of the appraisal sent to you. Please contact our office for more information regarding these services and note cancellations for any appraisal must be made at least 24 hours in advance.
Free Auction Estimates & A Visit To Your Home
For those interested in selling at auction, Gardner Galleries will offer a free estimate based on images you email to info@gardnergalleries.com. If sending multiple items, our appraisers will provide an estimate of total value for the entire collection. If you require values for each individual item, this is regarded as an appraisal and there is a charge for this service, see above. Gardner Galleries will not offer free estimates to assist with selling items online 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 listing of what you have available to the email below. We only require one image of each room, and an appraiser will be in touch with you within 48 hours or less. We can then setup an appointment to assess the contents in person thereafter, discuss the auction process and costs involved. Please contact our office at for more information about these services.
