FAQ
DOES THE GOVERNMENT CURRENTLY REGULATE APPRAISERS?
Currently, the government regulates only real property (real estate) appraisers. This is why it is important to consider the credentials of the Personal Property Appraiser that you choose. Chris Foss ISA-AM, GD, owner and lead appraiser, is a member in good standing with the International Society of Appraisers and the Gemological Institute of America.
WHEN WILL AN APPRAISER CONSIDER SENTIMENTAL VALUE?
A good appraiser will consider the quality, condition, and history as well as the market trends but never the sentimental value of an item.
WHEN DO I NEED AN APPRAISAL FOR A CHARITABLE DONATION?
If you take a tax deduction for a non-cash charitable contribution, you must get a qualified appraisal if the deduction claimed is over $5,000.
CAN FOSS APPRAISAL SERVICE APPRAISE THE VALUE OF MY HOUSE?
Foss Appraisal Service does not currently offer real estate appraisal services. We are able to evaluate the contents of an entire home but not the value of the home itself.
WILL FOSS APPRAISAL SERVICE PROVIDE MULTIPLE COPIES OF MY APPRAISAL REPORT?
Yes, with each completed appraisal, Foss Appraisal Service will provide as many full-color, certified, appraisal reports as you require. The cost for these will vary with the length of the appraisal report.
DOES FOSS APPRAISAL SERVICE OFFER JEWELRY APPRAISALS?
Yes, Foss Appraisal Service is pleased to be able to offer its clients professional diamond and precious metal appraisals, along with the rest of our personal property appraisals services.
DOES FOSS APPRAISAL SERVICE BUY ITEMS THAT THEY APPRAISE?
No, Foss Appraisal Service does not buy any items that we have appraised. One of the most important aspects of an appraiser’s job is to remain impartial and never have a financial interest in the items being appraised. For clients who have contacted Seattle Jewelry Buyers, Foss Appraisal Service has been hired by Seattle Jewelry Buyers simply to inspect the jewelry. Any purchase offer is made by Seattle Jewelry Buyers.
CAN FOSS APPRAISAL SERVICE ADVISE ME ON THE BEST WAY TO SELL AN ITEM?
Yes, although we do not buy, we are happy to assist our clients either before, during, or after an appraisal on the best way to sell a piece of personal property. While not always applicable Foss Appraisal Service is able to assist clients in selling their items on a consignment basis. Contact us for more information on our consignment policies.
Is Foss Estate Sales fully insured?
Yes, Foss Estate Sales is fully insured. We take our responsibility seriously and have in place insurance coverage to protect our clients and our buyers.
How can I hire Foss Estate Sales to manage my sale?
Thank you for your interest in working with Foss Estate Sales. In order to evaluate your needs and answer your questions we need to talk with you about your project. The first step is to contact us by phone or e-mail and we can schedule a time to come to your home for a complimentary viewing of the items you wish to sell. For more information, please see our Estate Sales page.
How much do you charge for your services?
Foss Appraisal Service charges an hourly rate and the total cost depends on the time needed for the inspection, research and report writing. We do not charge for drive to in our regularly traveled areas.
Foss Estate Sales works on a commission-only basis for each estate sale. We will adjust the commission to the size of your project taking into account the work involved and the expected proceeds. In order to establish the commission rate we need to learn a little more about your sale. You can contact us via e-mail or phone to discuss the rates.
Does Foss Estate Sales make the client pay for the staffing of the sale?
No, Foss Estate Sales commission covers all costs and does not make the client pay any additional fees during the estate sale process. Be sure to ask about our complete clean-out service when you contact us about your sale.
Does Foss Estate Sales offer full clean-out services?
Yes. After the estate sale is complete, Foss Estate Sales can arrange for consignment of appropriate items through a variety of local and regional auction and consignment stores, the donation of charitable items and disposal of unwanted items. If you choose this option, we will leave the home empty of all personal property and ready for your next step whether it be renting the real estate or getting it ready for sale.
Can I attend the sale?
You are, of course, welcome to be present at all times while we organize, appraise, and price items as well as during the sale. It has been our experience, however, that attending the sale may be difficult if the items being sold are of sentimental value to you.
What can be sold in an estate sale?
By definition an estate sale can include anything that might be part of a private residence. In the past we have sold all manner of antique furniture, jewelry, carpets, dolls, toys, yard and garage tools, vintage and modern clothing, exercise equipment, vehicles, boats, bikes, cameras, sporting equipment, sterling silver, china, collectibles and everything in between. If you are unsure if an item can be sold, you can usually assume the answer is YES!
What forms of payment do you accept from buyers?
Foss Estate Sales accepts cash and all major credit cards.
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