Probate contents and personal effects appraiser

Executors and families, estate lawyers and accountants, and sometimes beneficiaries dividing items fairly.

An hourly rate or fixed fee per estate, depending on the size of the house and the number of items. Specialist items may need extra research time.

• Knowledge of antiques, jewellery or art and how to research values
• Careful cataloguing and photography
• Tact and honesty with families

• Professional indemnity insurance, as lawyers and executors rely on your figures
• Check whether any qualifications, appraiser membership or state rules apply to the items you value
• Be clear that you appraise rather than buy, to avoid conflicts of interest
• Valuing outside your expertise is risky, so use specialists where needed
• Check whether you need council approval for a home-based business

Startup costs are typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on your insurance, camera and cataloguing tools, reference resources and how you promote your services. Costs depend partly on the kinds of items you plan to value.

Monthly revenue is typically around $800 to $4,000, depending on how many estates you appraise and what you charge. Plan for at least about 8 hours a week, including visits, research and writing the report.

Check professional indemnity insurance, as lawyers and executors rely on your figures. Also check whether any qualifications, appraiser membership or state rules apply to the items you value, be clear that you appraise rather than buy, and check council approval for working from home.