Written appraisal vs auction-house estimate: a keep-file, not a consignment quote
Auction houses often call a free evaluation an appraisal. That is usually a sale funnel: a range meant to win the consignment. If you need a signed opinion you can keep, send to an adviser, or hold in a file, order a written report.
A ranked list of auction houses, a promise that Heritage or Christie’s will accept our PDF as their estimate, or a free AI scanner comparison.
Standard signed report $59. Insurance $99. Tax and estate case review $399. No published rush dollar. An auction-house free evaluation is usually a consignment estimate, not a keep-file.
Keep-file vs consignment estimate. A written appraisal states identification, intended use, evidence, assumptions, and a signed conclusion. An auction estimate is usually a sale range. One is a document. The other is a pitch to consign.
What a “free appraisal” at an auction house usually is. Heritage, Christie’s, and similar desks often offer a free evaluation to decide whether they want the object. That number is not an insurance document, not a court filing, and not a keep-file you control after the conversation ends.
When you still want the auction house. If the job is to sell through that house, their estimate is the right first conversation. If the job is a written record before you decide whether to sell, insure, divide, or donate, start with a signed report.
Questions
Is an auction-house estimate the same as a written appraisal?
Usually no. An auction estimate is often a consignment range. A written appraisal is a signed opinion with intended use, evidence, and limits. Appraisily’s standard keep-file is $59.
How much does a written appraisal cost here?
Standard signed report $59. Insurance $99. Tax and estate case review $399. Multi-item quote. No published rush dollar.
Can I use a free auction-house appraisal for insurance?
Ask the carrier. Most insurers want a replacement-value report for a defined date and object, not a consignment estimate. If they asked for replacement value, our insurance lane is $99.
Should I get a written appraisal before consigning?
If you want an independent keep-file before you accept a house’s range, order the $59 signed report. If you already decided to sell through that house, their estimate may be enough for that sale.
Do you rank auction houses or promise they will accept this report?
No. We do not rank Heritage, Christie’s, or other desks. Acceptance by an auction house, insurer, court, or CPA is not guaranteed.
Is Instant Screener a written appraisal?
No. Instant Screener is a free unsigned first look. The product on this page is a signed PDF from $59.
Start signed written report — $59
See a signed sample
Signed report vs free AI scanners
Full price table
Estate contents appraisals