Q: What’s the Difference Between an Online Valuation and a Written Appraisal?

Online Valuation $10 per item Based on your submitted photos and details Fast turnaround (usually within 48 hours) Ideal for resale, downsizing, curiosity, or friendly disputes Not valid for insurance, tax, or legal purposes Written Appraisal $250/hour + $1.25/mile travel round trip In-person inspection followed by in-office research Delivered as a USPAP/ISA-compliant legal document Required for estate tax, donations, insurance riders, and court matters Completed within 3–6 weeks from inspection

Q: How Do I Submit an Item for Online Valuation?

Start by taking clear, in-focus photos and noting dimensions. Here’s what Nora needs: Art : front, back (in frame), signature, tags, dimensions Objects : front, back, underside, marks or stamps Books : cover, spine, full title/publisher page(s) Dolls : full image, height, identifying marks or tags, usually on back of neck Flatware : front/back of fork or spoon, handle, maker’s mark China Sets : photo of plate front/back, total count, maker’s mark, total number of pieces Furniture : full front image, tags inside drawers, joinery (if requested) Don’t know what you’ve got? Photos of the front, back, and bottom are usually a great place to start.

Q: What Other Services Does Nora Offer?

Live Thrift Walkthrough $100 / 30 mins Real-time video call while you’re treasure hunting — get expert eyes on what you're finding, instantly. Sale Listing Write-Up $5 / item After your $10 valuation, Nora will write a clear, keyword-optimized listing to help you sell your item online. Phone Consultation – $35 / 10–20 mins Prefer a phone call? Nora will walk you through what you need to know in a one-on-one voice consult. Estate Tag Sale Help – $200 / hour Doing your own estate sale? Nora will guide you step-by-step via phone or video on pricing, setup, and strategy. Roadshow style event - $800 / 5 hours For hosting an event at your institution, club or business, do it Roadshow style and bring people to your business for a Discovery Day by charging each person per item and Nora will identify and value their items. Click Here to Schedule a Qualification Call

Q: What Makes a Professional Appraisal Report?

Every compliant report includes: Clear purpose and intended use Defined markets and methods used Descriptions that stand on their own (even without photos) Dates of inspection and valuation USPAP certification and appraiser’s qualifications Avoid appraisers who… Offer handwritten or unsigned reports Charge based on item value Lack training, credentials, or transparency Intend to purchase your items

Question 1

What’s the Difference Between an Online Valuation and a Written Appraisal?

Accepted Answer

Online Valuation

$10 per item
Based on your submitted photos and details
Fast turnaround (usually within 48 hours)
Ideal for resale, downsizing, curiosity, or friendly disputes
Not valid for insurance, tax, or legal purposes

Written Appraisal

$250/hour + $1.25/mile travel round trip
In-person inspection followed by in-office research
Delivered as a USPAP/ISA-compliant legal document
Required for estate tax, donations, insurance riders, and court matters
Completed within 3–6 weeks from inspection

Question 2

What Can Nora Appraise?

Accepted Answer

Nora Knows items across all eras and genres, including:

Fine art (paintings, prints, drawings)
China, porcelain, glass, pottery
Books, textiles, silver, jewelry
Furniture, lighting, sculptures, collectibles, toys, dolls

Exclusions: coins, paper money, postal stamps, firearms, Persian rugs.

Question 3

How Do I Submit an Item for Online Valuation?

Accepted Answer

Start by taking clear, in-focus photos and noting dimensions. Here’s what Nora needs:

Art: front, back (in frame), signature, tags, dimensions
Objects: front, back, underside, marks or stamps
Books: cover, spine, full title/publisher page(s)
Dolls: full image, height, identifying marks or tags, usually on back of neck
Flatware: front/back of fork or spoon, handle, maker’s mark
China Sets: photo of plate front/back, total count, maker’s mark, total number of pieces
Furniture: full front image, tags inside drawers, joinery (if requested)

Don’t know what you’ve got? Photos of the front, back, and bottom are usually a great place to start.

Question 4

What Other Services Does Nora Offer?

Accepted Answer

Live Thrift Walkthrough $100 / 30 mins
Real-time video call while you’re treasure hunting — get expert eyes on what you're finding, instantly.
Sale Listing Write-Up $5 / item
After your $10 valuation, Nora will write a clear, keyword-optimized listing to help you sell your item online.
Phone Consultation – $35 / 10–20 mins
Prefer a phone call? Nora will walk you through what you need to know in a one-on-one voice consult.
Estate Tag Sale Help – $200 / hour
Doing your own estate sale? Nora will guide you step-by-step via phone or video on pricing, setup, and strategy.
Roadshow style event - $800 / 5 hours
For hosting an event at your institution, club or business, do it Roadshow style and bring people to your business for a Discovery Day by charging each person per item and Nora will identify and value their items.

Click Here to Schedule a Qualification Call

Question 5

How to Prepare for a Written Appraisal

Accepted Answer

Choose which items to appraise
Make items accessible (closets, attic, storage)
Unpack drawers and boxes
Group like items together
Separate sterling from plate if possible
Remove wall art and prop safely
Gather documentation: receipts, certificates, wills

Proper prep saves time and your money.

Question 6

What Makes a Professional Appraisal Report?

Accepted Answer

Every compliant report includes:

Clear purpose and intended use
Defined markets and methods used
Descriptions that stand on their own (even without photos)
Dates of inspection and valuation
USPAP certification and appraiser’s qualifications

Avoid appraisers who…

Offer handwritten or unsigned reports
Charge based on item value
Lack training, credentials, or transparency
Intend to purchase your items

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