The Reality Behind Those Quick TV-Show Appraisals

Bravo for questioning cable TV’s simplistic approach to “appraising,” (“Keepers or Weepers?” Nov. 18). As an appraiser in Southern California for 25 years and a former appraiser for several major international auction houses, I spent three years doing these roadshows before they became TV fodder, and can tell you that the “estimates” given on TV are not “appraisals” and have little to do with reality.

Although we hear so much about the several items a year that were estimated to fetch a pittance and brought millions, you might want to follow up on the average item estimated to bring, say $1,000 to $2,000, and then fails to meet reserve and is quietly returned to owner. Also, the estimates given by auction houses on TV or in-house are a prediction, not a warranty of possible auction sale results, and are not for legal use. Try submitting them for your next probate declaration, insurance rider or claim, divorce settlement, or museum donation, and see what happens.

--ROBERT LEVY

President

Beverly Hills Appraisal Co.