Determine which properties are to be included in the assignment

      If the appraisal is to arrange insurance, check with the underwriter to determine the insurer's requirements

     Gather documentation such as invoices or sales receipts, prior appraisal reports, insurance schedules, inventories,

          provenance, history of exhibits, celebrity ownership or historical connections

     Choose an inspection time when distractions will be minimized

     Provide adequate lighting and access to the property

     Pull large antique furniture away from the wall and if possible empty it of contents

     Gather sets of silver, china and stemware

     Separate silver from silver plate

     Remove hanging objects from walls

Highly valuable art and other valuable and unique properties may require examination by an expert. 

Gather heirlooms, quilts, samplers, textiles, rugs, important signatures, photographs, letters, books, post cards, advertising, toys, tools, knives, baskets, ceramics, glass, vintage costume jewelry, clothes, Native American/Asian items, other ethnic property types and other collectibles. Gather anything you suspect could be valuable, or that you want appraised prior to the inspection.

The extent of the onsite inspection depends upon the intended use of the report by the client and the needs of intended users as identified by the client. Normally you would expect the appraiser to describe, measure and photograph the property onsite, especially if a written report is to be produced.

For oral reports the extent and the documentation of the inspection and the identification details of the subject properties would likely be less detailed. Preparations could include numbering each object with a label to expedite and simplify the documentation of the appraiser's oral comments.

The appraiser retains an audio micro-cassette tape of the appraisers onsite comments, for both oral and formal appraisal reports, as part of the work file. Copies of that tape are not provided to the client.