Appraisers

[victorialynn2]

Could anyone please tell me how I can find an appraiser in Texas to value some cars I would like to sell? I am in The Hill Country (Fredricksburg area). Thank you!

 

[mercer09]

plenty listed in Hemmings motor News-buy a copy or go online.

[Xander Wildeisen]

What are the year, make and model of cars you need a value placed on? Getting an appraiser that knows the market for the era and the manufacturer, would be in your best financial interest. Also quality auction houses have specialists that can evaluate the cars. You will have fees and costs involved in selling with them. You should be able to put a close enough value on them yourself, by looking at value guides on line. figure out realistic conditions of the cars, match it up to values listed from multiple sources. Add a little more to the asking price, and list one for sale. If the phone does not ring, you are to high. Easy to lower the price. A classic car dealer in your area might be interested in making a offer for some or all the cars. They will offer less, but you all ready know that. A little research on your end, and dealing with quality people, will get you the maximum value out of your cars.

[alsancle]

With my apologies for any that might be members here but appraisers are 100% worthless if you are trying to value a car for resale.

 

For each car you want to sell,  start a thread in the appropriate forum with lots of pictures and written detail about the car.  You will get a much better estimate.  Once given a range, start at the lower number a no reserve auction on ebay.  Assuming you do a good job with the auction you will achieve approx market value.

 

Or, you can get an appraiser to come to the house,  he will charge anywhere from 200 to 400 a car.  Will consult a price guide for any common cars or will just wild ass guess on obscure cars.  In both cases you will have little idea what the real market value of the cars is.

[victorialynn2]

Thanks everyone for your info. A little background... I have sold several already. (30 Model A, 24 Model T, 70 Bronco and a couple Corvairs). I hauled them to Oregon and had a friend up there help that is an appraiser. We got very good prices and I have obviously learned something in the progress. I was a Realtor, so have experience in sales.

 

The cars I want to sell next are project cars. I am not willing to haul them and my friend did give me some ideas, but I feel like I need someone to see them in person to help me value them. I also have parts and I want to sell the stuff asap. I have spent over 2 years dealing with all this and I'm ready to wrap it up. 

One example: There's a 50 Ford Shoebox with nice, new black paint, new engine sitting on a lift and custom searing wheel. Interior is not done, I think I have the seats that need to be upholstered. The trim is still off, new belts and other parts are available. I am working on getting better pics. I sold most of the others on eBay, but this one I'm not sure would work for that. I will probably try local car clubs, craigslist, etc. for marketing the rest.

 

There is also a 55 Chevy BelAir, a Corvair Turbo Convertible and a Jeepster. None currently running, in various stages of restoration. I just want a second opinion. I am pretty sharp, and people have tried to underestimate me. I'm just doing my research.

 

I do appreciate everyones help!

Edited November 13, 2016 by victorialynn2 (see edit history)

[victorialynn2]

5 hours ago, alsancle said:

With my apologies for any that might be members here but appraisers are 100% worthless if you are trying to value a car for resale.

 

For each car you want to sell,  start a thread in the appropriate forum with lots of pictures and written detail about the car.  You will get a much better estimate.  Once given a range, start at the lower number a no reserve auction on ebay.  Assuming you do a good job with the auction you will achieve approx market value.

 

Or, you can get an appraiser to come to the house,  he will charge anywhere from 200 to 400 a car.  Will consult a price guide for any common cars or will just wild ass guess on obscure cars.  In both cases you will have little idea what the real market value of the cars is.

I disagree. The one I used in Oregon helped me with several and was right in the money each time when they sold on eBay! He could be the only good one though. However, I do appreciate your suggestion. It's difficult for the ones left since they are in various stages of restoration. 

 

Edited November 13, 2016 by victorialynn2 (see edit history)

[padgett]

Condition is everything.

 

Just start with the Corvair. A 65-66 Corsa Spyder 'vert has a lot of potential depending on how many of the original parts are there and in what condition. 63-64 not so much.

 

The bad is that the Turbo used a lot of unobtainium. The sidedraft carb is one all of the bracketry and air cleaner are more. The engine thermistor for the gauge package is another. Even the decklid and glove box emblems were special. And that is just what I remember from a few decades ago. So just for that one you need not just an appraiser but one who really understands Corvairs. Each of the cars you mention is unique in its own way but none is even a high five figure cars on their best day (unless the 'vair is a Fitch Sprint) & not running/needs restored maybe 10%. Hiring an appraiser who is any less an expert for each & you are just wasting your money.

[victorialynn2]

2 hours ago, padgett said:

Condition is everything.

 

Just start with the Corvair. A 65-66 Corsa Spyder 'vert has a lot of potential depending on how many of the original parts are there and in what condition. 63-64 not so much.

 

The bad is that the Turbo used a lot of unobtainium. The sidedraft carb is one all of the bracketry and air cleaner are more. The engine thermistor for the gauge package is another. Even the decklid and glove box emblems were special. And that is just what I remember from a few decades ago. So just for that one you need not just an appraiser but one who really understands Corvairs. Each of the cars you mention is unique in its own way but none is even a high five figure cars on their best day (unless the 'vair is a Fitch Sprint) & not running/needs restored maybe 10%. Hiring an appraiser who is any less an expert for each & you are just wasting your money.

You make some points that I do know. It's a 63 Spyder Turbo Convert. Don't understand everything you said, (unobtainium???) but I will say I've sold a Rampside and a Greenbrier for more than I was told it would get. That being said, I'm here because I respect the opinions of others, and appreciate feedback, These are not high dollar cars, that I agree, but they have value and I have a fiduciary responsibility to do my due diligence. So in that spirit, I am doing my research. I appreciate all feedback. Thank you!

[alsancle]

Actually, most of the appraisers are probably good guys and knowledgeable to a certain extent.  The issue I'm pointing out is that it makes no sense to employ one.

[keiser31]

54 minutes ago, victorialynn2 said:

You make some points that I do know. It's a 63 Spyder Turbo Convert. Don't understand everything you said, (unobtainium???) but I will say I've sold a Rampside and a Greenbrier for more than I was told it would get. That being said, I'm here because I respect the opinions of others, and appreciate feedback, These are not high dollar cars, that I agree, but they have value and I have a fiduciary responsibility to do my due diligence. So in that spirit, I am doing my research. I appreciate all feedback. Thank you!

"Unobtanium" is a restorer's term and means almost impossible to obtain or get a hold of.

Edited November 14, 2016 by keiser31 (see edit history)

[nick8086]

Do not waste your money on getting a price on a shoe box.. .. The odd ones maybe.. Like a Davis., Fascination , wildfire. or Gaylord  i would spend the money..

 

Misfit Garage is in TX..

 

 

Edited November 14, 2016 by nick8086 (see edit history)

[Ozstatman]

"Misfit Garage is in TX "

 

Yes but, from what I've seen on their "reality" TV show, they aren't exactly in the appraisal business.

[mercer09]

I would continue with ebay and set reserves.

 

Be very wary of craigslist. some very crazy people on there................. fact.

[John_S_in_Penna]

10 hours ago, victorialynn2 said:

Don't understand everything you said, (unobtainium???) ...

 

That should be a lesson to us all:  Not to use 

jargon, obscure terms, and abbreviations that

only a specialist would know.

That term "unobtainium" is a made-up word that

sounds like a metal but just means parts are unobtainable,

or difficult to obtain.

 

Victoria Lynn, I think Ebay, or the magazine and website

Hemmings Motor News (www.hemmings.com),

would be suitable even for the projects you describe.

Have you heard of Hemmings?  It is the largest old-car

marketplace and well respected--and widely used in the hobby. 

[R Walling]

Quote,

 

 "

That should be a lesson to us all:  Not to use 

jargon, obscure terms, and abbreviations that

only a specialist would know."

 

 The English language would be much simpler if it only contained about one or two hundred words. (but we wouldn't be quoting Shakespeare very much!)

 

 "Methinks thou dose protest too much" does not mean what it says!

 

 

 

 

 (Before I get hammered for misquoting, the correct quote is 

 "The lady doth protest too much, methinks."  From Hamlet.)

Edited November 14, 2016 by Roger Walling (see edit history)

[Matt Harwood]

I see my initial post calling out one of the biggest scammers in the business was deleted. Yeah, no problem. Why should hobbyists be protected from predators as long as they're channeling money into the club?

 

Anyway, if you need an appraiser, don't pick the one that pops up first on Google with the same initials as the Alabama attorney general's office.

[padgett]

 Must admit that sometimes I use jargon or acronyms as a quick way to determine the knowledge level of the poster.

 

 "Wheeler Dealers" recently had a 63 Corvair Turbo Spyder (with the wrong engine - 4 carb 164cid 140 hp. They did not try to get the right one). They also "fixed" the camber issue.

 

ps dost or doth depending, not dose (Joisy term)

 

pps Misfit and Monkey are in Dallas

 

Edited November 14, 2016 by padgett (see edit history)

[John_S_in_Penna]

3 hours ago, Matt Harwood said:

I see my initial post calling out one of the biggest scammers in the business was deleted.

 

Your posting did a good service to the questioner and to all of us.

I know the AACA policy, but knowing what to avoid may save

a potential buyers thousands (or tens of thousands) of dollars

in getting the right car and avoiding problem vehicles.

Competent appraisers are important for those who need them,

and I hope everyone who wants to know that company will

private-message you.  Thank you, Matt.

Edited November 14, 2016 by John_S_in_Penna (see edit history)

[victorialynn2]

10 hours ago, John_S_in_Penna said:

 

That should be a lesson to us all:  Not to use 

jargon, obscure terms, and abbreviations that

only a specialist would know.

That term "unobtainium" is a made-up word that

sounds like a metal but just means parts are unobtainable,

or difficult to obtain.

 

Victoria Lynn, I think Ebay, or the magazine and website

Hemmings Motor News (www.hemmings.com),

would be suitable even for the projects you describe.

Have you heard of Hemmings?  It is the largest old-car

marketplace and well respected--and widely used in the hobby. 

Yes, I grew up with them everywhere in the house since I could remember. Dad still has a ton of them. I don't think he ever threw them out!

 

[victorialynn2]

8 hours ago, Matt Harwood said:

I see my initial post calling out one of the biggest scammers in the business was deleted. Yeah, no problem. Why should hobbyists be protected from predators as long as they're channeling money into the club?

 

Anyway, if you need an appraiser, don't pick the one that pops up first on Google with the same initials as the Alabama attorney general's office.

I didn't delete it, it must of been a moderator.

 

[Matt Harwood]

Just now, victorialynn2 said:

I didn't delete it, it must of been a moderator.

 

 

That's correct. They're the only ones with that power.

[victorialynn2]

5 hours ago, padgett said:

 Must admit that sometimes I use jargon or acronyms as a quick way to determine the knowledge level of the poster.

 

 "Wheeler Dealers" recently had a 63 Corvair Turbo Spyder (with the wrong engine - 4 carb 164cid 140 hp. They did not try to get the right one). They also "fixed" the camber issue.

 

ps dost or doth depending, not dose (Joisy term)

 

pps Misfit and Monkey are in Dallas

 

I saw that. This is the original Turbo. I am assuming it's all matching numbers, but will check. I remember him having it back in the 80's, maybe earlier. The value is the engine from what I understand. It is complete but hasn't been running for years. I don't know why. It's been stored in its own room an is a project he never got to.

 

I did see that show. My father is about restoring things to as original as possible. As far as contacting TV shows, I think people do that for their 5 minutes of fame, not to sell for a decent price. I don't think it would be responsible of me to do that.

 

[victorialynn2]

I appreciate all the good info guys. I am a reluctant old car peddler, but I have to do my best for my father. the appraiser I used in Oregon was only charging me 75/car, and I don't think I will find that here, so I guess I will just post info and pics here and get some feedback. I've done that before here and in the Corvair Center forum. I got a lot of misinformation, but also got some good info. I even got a good offer on the Greenbrier, but sold it locally. 

 

I'm trying to be as efficient as possible because I don't want to stay in Texas any longer than I have to. I also want to put together fair deals where I'm not being taken advantage of. I've spent 2 1/2 years dealing with all of this and I need to get back to work and get my life on track. Sadly, my father has Alzheimers and can't help me. I have been blessed with many people helping me and I appreciate all the information I get here as well.

[nick8086]

5 hours ago, victorialynn2 said:

I appreciate all the good info guys. I am a reluctant old car peddler, but I have to do my best for my father. the appraiser I used in Oregon was only charging me 75/car, and I don't think I will find that here, so I guess I will just post info and pics here and get some feedback. I've done that before here and in the Corvair Center forum. I got a lot of misinformation, but also got some good info. I even got a good offer on the Greenbrier, but sold it locally. 

 

I'm trying to be as efficient as possible because I don't want to stay in Texas any longer than I have to. I also want to put together fair deals where I'm not being taken advantage of. I've spent 2 1/2 years dealing with all of this and I need to get back to work and get my life on track. Sadly, my father has Alzheimers and can't help me. I have been blessed with many people helping me and I appreciate all the information I get here as well.

I feel your pain. I am on year 5.. The same happen to us.. may a pic of  Darrin may keep your hopes up..

[ted sweet]

site doesn't allow negative comments on anything

[nick8086]

2 hours ago, ted sweet said:

site doesn't allow negative comments on anything

Neg - just rusty gold..

[Terry Bond]

Victoria, hopefully you'll keep a car (or more), join the AACA, have some fun and make some of your own hobby memories.  It's a great group and there are a lot worse things you could do with your time and spare bucks. 

Best wishes,

Terry

[victorialynn2]

12 hours ago, Terry Bond said:

Victoria, hopefully you'll keep a car (or more), join the AACA, have some fun and make some of your own hobby memories.  It's a great group and there are a lot worse things you could do with your time and spare bucks. 

Best wishes,

Terry

I would love to actually, but the financial strain this has put on me may make that impossible. I've had to stop working to care for my father and his things and to travel the 2000+ miles to work on liquidating everything. I will never recover my lost income and I'm not sure I will be able to finish this and keep a thing. 

[Xander Wildeisen]

If your fathers old cars run and drive. Drive one around while you are dealing with his stuff. You will be making memories behind the wheel of a old car, and striking up conversations with people in your travels. Will help in selling some of them as well. I have found that if you get behind the wheel of a old car, and find a road with old farm houses, fields and farms. It is just like driving when that car was new. And you can tune out the rest of this worlds BS while driving at a speed of 35 miles an hour, with a smile on your face.

[mrpushbutton]

In response to those who devalue the worth of appraisers, one thing the good ones have is accreditation, which is very important when dealing with insurance companies.  

[alsancle]

I have a friend who every 5-10 years or so has to pay 300-400 a car to have an accredited appraiser write up a appraisal for his insurance company.  I think the guy that he used is retired now but an old time car guy with lots of knowledge on various cars.  Certainly enjoyable to talk to,  a regular at the big shows, Hershey, Pebble, etc.  The report he produces probably takes some real effort as it is 8-10 pages on each car with text and pictures so I understand the size of the fee.   But as far as the actual market value of the cars he has no idea.  The price guide values (for the cars that happen to actually be listed)  are off by more than 100% on the #1 & 2 cars and probably 500% on the #4 & 5 cars.  It takes effort on the part of my friend to point him in the right direction on finding information and understanding the market.  Now,  the appraiser understands my friend knows more about his cars than he ever will so he's happy to get the guidance.   I'm wondering what happens when the owner knows nothing about their cars?

 

[Matt Harwood]

What is accreditation? There is no governing body for appraisers. There's no licensing program. There is no certification board or list of standards or testing. There's nothing out there that differentiates a guy in his garage from a professional appraiser beyond what it says on a business card. I know because I looked into becoming an "accredited" or "certified" appraiser (we do a lot of appraisals ourselves, obviously). The ones who are "certified" or "licensed" are usually certified or licensed by the company they work for--that's how Alabama Attorney General (the crappy appraisal company I mentioned earlier, not the real Alabama Attorney General) does it--just spend a few hours at the Holiday Inn by the airport on a Sunday afternoon, and voila! You're an appraiser! Certified even!

 

If someone knows of an accreditation program and certifying body that is universal and impartial and nationally respected with membership requirements and testing, please let me know, I'd be interested. But I'm pretty sure such a thing does not exist and I've spent a lot of time looking...

[60FlatTop]

New York State has a big sign at the border "Pay Here". We have licensing and certification for anything. Here's how they differentiate.

Adjusters v. Appraisers

With respect to the distinction between appraisers and adjusters, an adjuster is a person who acts on behalf of an insurance company or an insured in the adjusting or settlement of claims. See N.Y. Ins. Law §2101 (McKinney 2000). An appraiser is a person selected or appointed by competent authority or an interested party to ascertain and state the true value of goods or real estate. See Blacks Law Dictionary 67 (6^th ed.1993).

Thus, the line of demarcation between an appraiser and an adjuster is quite definite, since merely performing an appraisal does not amount to the negotiating, investigating and adjusting of claims. However, the function of an adjuster may encompass the appraisal of claims.²

 

And here is where you pay: http://www.dfs.ny.gov/insurance/ogco2001/rg102131.htm

 

Come to the Vampire State. We are always looking for new blood.

Bernie

 

 

[countrytravler]

On 11/13/2016 at 3:16 PM, victorialynn2 said:

I disagree. The one I used in Oregon helped me with several and was right in the money each time when they sold on eBay! He could be the only good one though. However, I do appreciate your suggestion. It's difficult for the ones left since they are in various stages of restoration. 

 

 

Have your friend in Oregon fly and rent a car to check them. I have done this myself a few times for our customers.

[John_S_in_Penna]

2 hours ago, countrytravler said:

Have your friend in Oregon fly and rent a car to check them. I have done this myself a few times for our customers.

 

Excellent idea!  Country Traveler, 

I think you just solved the problem!

[victorialynn2]

2 hours ago, countrytravler said:

Have your friend in Oregon fly and rent a car to check them. I have done this myself a few times for our customers.

I have tried that but he is too busy. He is a sales manager of a dealership, a minister, a car guy and he has a family. He's been a lot of help, but there are limits for anyone.