Archive for the ‘Lifestyle’ Category

This article was published in the Claims Prevention and Procedure Council newsletter, and in the October 1998 issue of Antique Prime Magazine & Journal.

Hiring an Appraiser

It may surprise you to learn that anyone can call themselves an appraiser. There is no licensing or certification for personal property appraisers at this point in time, so if you need an appraisal, it is your responsibility to determine if the appraiser is qualified.

There are two types of property: real property and personal property. Real property includes real estate, land, buildings. Tangible personal property includes moveable items, such as furniture, antiques, collectibles, pots and pans. This article deals strictly with appraisers of personal property.

What’s “it” worth? That all depends. Is the purpose of knowing the value for insurance (coverage or claim)? Liquidation, sale, or resale? Equitable division of property (divorce or distribution of an estate)? IRS obligation (probate and estate tax, or charitable contribution)? The “value” of an item may differ depending on the “function” of the appraisal and the “market” used to determine the value. A knowledgeable appraiser should be able to explain these differences to you.

Ask the appraisers you are considering hiring if they specialize in the types of items you want appraised. Just as you wouldn’t visit a podiatrist for a heart problem, don’t engage a coin appraiser to value an 18th Century chair. If you have a large number of various household goods, you might seek a generalist appraiser who will contact experts in certain fields, should the need arise.

Check the qualifications of the appraisers by asking if they have had any formal education in appraisal theory, principles, procedures, and ethics. Training is not yet required of any appraiser, but those who have taken classes and have passed the tests show that they are interested in their profession and in seeking competence. Those who are serious about appraising should be taking courses at least every five years to remain up to date.

Request references. The appraiser, however, has an obligation of confidentiality to all clients. Only after securing their written permission should the appraiser provide you with their names.

Confirm that the cost of the appraisal will be based on an hourly rate, a flat rate, or a per item rate, plus expenses, where appropriate. It is not ethical for appraisers to charge based on a percentage of value or on contingency.

Make sure that you will receive a typed or computer printed (not handwritten) and signed report that the appraiser will defend in court, if necessary. The report should consist of a cover letter with any limiting and qualifying conditions; the appraiser’s qualifications; a statement that the appraiser has no financial interest in the property; a complete and accurate description of the property; the methodology used; the market analysis and markets selected; and a defined value.

Inquire about the appraiser’s membership in any appraisal organizations. Active participation shows involvement with the profession, peer recognition, access to updated information, and requirement to adhere to a code of ethics.

Examine the appraiser’s responses to your questions and decide if the appraiser you are about to hire is qualified.

Sponsored by Charlotte Antique Appraiser – AAA Appraisal Co. Inc.

12 Reasons to Choose a Senior Planning Service

Not near your loved ones? Can’t be there all the time to care for, support, and help?  Concerned and fearful about their well being?  No need to worry anymore….

That’s now a Senior Planning Service’s responsibility!!!!

1. Senior planning services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year so you don’t need to be there.
2. If you think your family is difficult to deal with, believe me, they probably have met worse.
3. Next time your Dad calls and starts to drive you nuts you can tell him to call the senior planning service instead. Your mother can call when ever she wants and talk all about her lumbago, sciatica, or Mrs Sweeny’s gallbladder surgery. Every situation is different; every life unique; A senior planning coordinator will customize their services to meet the needs of each individual client.
4. A senior planning service can be less expensive than roundtrip airfares. They will save you time, money and aggravation while providing respect and compassion for your loved ones. A senior planning service can be less expensive than roundtrip airfares.
5. Senior planning coordinators are conscientious and dedicated and will provide you with important information that will allow you the ability to choose which assisted living or nursing facility best fits your parents needs and personality.
6. Your parents can’t push their buttons. Senior planning coordinators are trained professionals and have experience in managing different situations, plus your parents didn’t know them when they were in diapers.
7. To Mom and Dad your still a kid and wet behind the ears. How can you possible know what’s best for them? A senior planning coordinator will explain to them in a way that they will understand and accept, what you have been trying to advise them all along.
8. A senior planning service can accomplish in two hours what could possibly take you weeks to achieve.
9. A senior planning coordinator can tell your “know it all” annoying sibling that they really “don’t know it all” without causing a major family feud. They can mediate between family members without causing any hurt feelings.
10. A senior planning coordinator knows how to help your folks get through the fear of spending their retirement savings, when they are in need of additional help.
11. A senior planning service will provides you with the stress free, ease of mind knowledge, that they will quickly check up on your parent when you’re told “everything is ok” and you know better.
12. A senior planning service will ensure that you and your family feel comfortable with your decisions and the quality of care your loved ones will receive.

• Never trick-or-treat alone
• Plan your entire route
• Wear a flame retardant costume
• Check your candy before you eat it
• Be very cautious of strangers
• Never go inside a house
• Don’t play near lit jack-o-lanterns
• Visit houses where the lights are on
• Be careful crossing the street
• Take a cell phone with you, if possible
• Carry a flashlight
• Discard all unwrapped candy

Web Weaver Wizard Magic Trick

Think of a Card from the Above Choices.

DO NOT tell the Web Weaver which Card you have chosen.

Click on the Web Weaver Wizard to see your Card Disappear.

Magic Trick Sponsored by ShopRMall.com Shoppers Club

When you go to buy bread in the grocery store, have you ever wondered which is the freshest, so you “squeeze” for freshness or softness?

Did you know that bread is delivered fresh to the stores five days a week? They are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Each day has a different color twist tie or clip. They are:

• Monday – Blue
• Tuesday – Green
• Thursday – Red
• Friday – White
• Saturday – Yellow

So if today was Thursday, you would want red twist tie – not white which is Friday’s (almost a week old)!

The colors go alphabetically by color:

Blue – Green – Red – White – Yellow

Very easy to remember. Enjoy fresh bread when you buy bread with the right color on the day you are shopping.

Brought to you by ShopRMall.com