Peter Kostoulakos

Things to consider before buying or selling a work of art:

• Where will the art be displayed — home or office?

• Will the art be mainly for enjoyment or investment?

• Will size, color harmony, and proportion be appropriate to venue?

• Is the work framed properly — for aesthetics and preservation?

• Where do you buy or sell art?

• Will you get retail or wholesale value?

• Should you buy a painting that has been restored?

• How should conservation be prioritized?

In order to expedite your upcoming appraisal, please consider the following time and money saving suggestions:

• List the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of all representatives.

• Determine physical location for on-site inspection.

• Definitely decide on which paintings you want to have appraised.

• Ensure that art is out and open for view.

• Paintings and frames should be viewed together when possible.

• There should be adequate light and temperature.

• Gather together as many receipts, sales slips and earlier appraisals as possible.

• Provide photographs of art (paintings & frames) or interior with art in place if available.

• Gather available historical information, family history, artist biography, sitter(s) biography, landscape location, articles pertaining to art or artist, catalog listings, etc.

• Provide date of death for estate appraisals.

• Give thought to the intended use of the appraisal: obtaining insurance coverage, claim, resale, estate, conservation, etc.

• Does your property insurance policy include an agreed value clause that would allow for a loss to be adjusted on the basis of market value?

• All significant information relating to the art should be recorded in writing.