Appraiser wants to meet at home/office

[djc6]

Should I be weary of an appraiser who wants to meet at my home or office to do the appraisal? He is the only Independant Appraiser listed near me (in Ohio) on Pricescope''s list. I also noticed he appeared on the list of independent appraisers on USA Certed Diamonds. His fee is $65.

Does only having a "mobile lab" mean that I will get any less accurate of an appraisal?

Thanks.

 

[Odilia]

I don''t know what to say in this case, but I just went to an appraiser in Maryland recommended by someone here on PS. His office was in his home. He is a retired Naval officer, and he has quite a resume, both regarding jewelry and otherwise, and did a very thorough job. He reassured me that he put my jewelry in a safe there, and that my jewelry was covered by his insurance while it was in his possession. I felt confident with this particular appraiser because of the recommendation and some other factors. I don''t know what to tell you on how to check in your case; maybe if you mention the name and see if other PS''ers can vouch for him/her.

 

[Odilia]

Oh, and my appraiser''s prices were in the $65 - $75 range (depending on the piece).

 

[djc6]

Date: 10/25/2005 12:30:38 PM
Author: Odilia

maybe if you mention the name and see if other PS''ers can vouch for him/her.

OK, his name is Thomas Constantine, GG - listed at the bottom of this page:

https://www.pricescope.com/appraisers_OH.aspx

The "details not provided" fellow

 

[Richard Sherwood]

A lot of appraisers work out of a home office or on a mobile basis in order to keep costs down. If properly equipped, the accuracy of the appraisal will be just as good as if they did it out of an office.

If the references on the appraiser are good I would say no problem.

 

[newenglandgemlab]

If it is Jim O'Bryant I have known him for many years and know he is very thorough and competent....Cindy

 

[CTL11]

I just met with Mitch Dustin in Columbus and he was very nice and had an office to meet at. If you don''t mind the drive you should consider making an appointment with him. He charges $70 to appraise a ring.

 

[denverappraiser]

Many very skilled appraisers prefer to be mobile. It helps keep costs down and it’s easier to control the security because the jewelry for each client is in a separate location and the appraiser never takes possession of it. $65 for onsite work is a very reasonable fee if they are doing a through job.

Neil Beaty
GG(GIA) ISA NAJA
Professional Appraisals in Denver