Why You Should Always Hire a Professional Appraiser Before Hosting an Estate Sale
By Michael Vallone, Founder of Goodson Gallery
In my years running Goodson Gallery and evaluating thousands of antiques, artworks, and historical oddities, I’ve seen one costly mistake made over and over again: families or estate sale companies pricing valuable items without calling in a true expert.
And in estate sales, a single misstep can cost you tens of thousands—or even hundreds of thousands—of dollars.
We’ve all heard the stories. A $25 yard sale find turns out to be a lost masterpiece. A Chinese vase that sold for $100 goes on to fetch over a million at auction. These aren’t just legends. They’re cautionary tales.
In most cases, the difference between a lucky buyer and a regretful seller comes down to one thing: having a professional appraiser involved before the sale.
Most Estate Sale Companies Are Not Trained Appraisers
Here’s the reality: most estate sale companies aren’t equipped to properly evaluate fine art, antiques, rare books, or collectibles. Their main method of “valuation” is a quick eBay search. But eBay is filled with inaccurate listings, mislabeled reproductions, and unverified prices.
If they can’t find your item online in a few minutes, they’ll often slap a generic price tag on it and move on. That could be devastating when dealing with historic pieces, vintage artwork, or items with hidden value. You could be selling something for $100 that’s worth $10,000—or more.
And no, AI tools and Google searches can’t replace a trained eye. The difference between an original and a remake, or between a valuable antique and a decorative copy, comes down to expert knowledge, not search results.
Why Hire Me Personally for Appraisals?
At Goodson Gallery, I handle all appraisals personally. When you hire us, you’re working directly with me—Michael Vallone—not a junior team member or outsourced service.
I’ve spent over a decade immersed in the world of rare art, antiques, and historical artifacts, with experience in both gallery curation and private acquisitions. I specialize in identifying overlooked value where others see clutter.
If you’re not located in DFW, Texas, I offer quick, reliable online appraisals. These are perfect for:
- Identifying potential high-value items before an estate sale
- Getting a second opinion on pieces that estate companies undervalue
- Understanding what deserves more careful handling or private sale
These online appraisals are not formal IRS/tax/legal reports—but they can save you from costly mistakes and help you make smarter decisions.
➡️ Click here for an online appraisal – Affordable. Fast. Direct from Michael Vallone.
When to Call an Appraiser
You should reach out for an appraisal immediately after a loved one’s passing—before anything is priced, donated, or sold.
Why? Because:
- You need accurate fair market values
- Estate tax and probate processes may require documentation
- You want to avoid pricing errors that cost your family serious money
- You need help spotting items that shouldn’t be tossed or undervalued
And if you’re in Dallas–Fort Worth, I’m available for select in-person estate appraisals and evaluations. Just reach out directly to discuss availability and pricing.
The Risks of Skipping This Step
Without a proper appraisal, here’s what can happen:
- Valuable pieces are sold for pennies
- Reproductions are mistakenly priced as originals
- Estate companies miss rare historical value
- Important family assets are lost forever
Estate sale companies are great for organizing and selling—but when it comes to value, don’t rely on shortcuts. One overlooked painting, book, or artifact could be the difference between a few hundred dollars and a life-changing sum.
Appraisals Save You Money, Time, and Regret
Hiring a trained appraiser before your estate sale:
- Identifies high-value pieces before they’re lost
- Prevents costly underpricing or emotional overpricing
- Creates confidence for buyers, heirs, and family members
- Streamlines the sale process with expert clarity
Let’s put it this way: no one ever regrets knowing more about what they’re selling.
Final Thoughts
If you’re about to host an estate sale or inherited a house full of unknowns, don’t guess. Don’t trust Google. Don’t assume your estate sale company will catch everything.
Hire an expert. Hire me.
You can schedule a quick, affordable online appraisal through Goodson Gallery right now by clicking here. If you’re located in Dallas–Fort Worth, contact me directly to discuss in-person appraisal services.
You’ve only got one shot to get this right. Make sure you do.
