If you’ve ever seen Antiques Roadshow on PBS or if you’re familiar with the concept of the program, you know that people always seem to find things around their house that end up being worth a lot of money. Or, people will bring in what they believe to be a priceless family heirloom and it turns out to be a random piece of junk.
Both of these situations could be avoided if the folks on the show would have hired appraisal services in Maryland. An appraisal service would have been able to come to their home and tell them what their objects are worth before they went on national TV. You, too, could be someone with priceless items in your home and not even know it! Check out some examples below.
- Rugs
Most people have probably heard about how much Persian and oriental rugs cost. Depending on the size, they cost tens of thousands of dollars! If you’ve purchased a rug at a flea market or garage sale that looks like it could be worth something, it might actually be. Crazier things have happened. You may be walking on a priceless rug and not even know it.
Expensive rugs have also been known to turn up in the attics of old homes. So, it doesn’t hurt to run upstairs and check!
- Silverware and china
Silverware and china are often handed down in deceased relatives’ wills. If silverware is actually made of silver it’ll obviously be worth quite a bit of money, depending on its condition. But before you donate Aunt Marie’s old china set to Goodwill, you may want to call appraisal services in Maryland. Old china, especially if it’s bone china, may be worth as much or more than the silverware set.
- Furniture
That old sofa that sits in grandpa’s living room might be worth some money, and not just money from a yard sale. Furniture collectors and antique stores are always looking to add to their inventories. So, before you throw it out on the curb to be collected by the garbage man, have an appraiser make sure it’s not a collector’s item.
- Art
Depending on the artist, old artwork can be worth some big bucks. If a famous artist painted a piece that’s hanging in your home, you can stand to make thousands of dollars by selling it to a collector or putting it up for auction. On the other hand, if you like the piece it might be nice to hold on to!
- Old documents
There are stories of old maps being found in the bottom of old trunks or dressers that turn out to be very valuable. While it’s not guaranteed that you’ve got some priceless document in your house, it can’t hurt to be sure. Call one of our appraisers today!
A word to the wise: just because you find some old items in your home, like the ones mentioned above, it does not mean they are worth a fortune and are going to bring in a lot of money at an auction. Contact us at 410-263-5808 and have one of our expert appraisers tell you exactly how much your goods are worth!