Selling Your Antiques for Cash: A Four Step Guide

Whether you stumbled across a Louis XIV chaise in your attic or have a few antique chandeliers in your estate that could use a new home, evaluating the value of your antiques or preparing them for sale can be a time-consuming and stressful process. In New York City, antique values and appraisals are a market to themselves – a market sometimes fraught with dishonesty and confusion. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll help you understand how to ensure your antiques are properly valued and how to take them to market if you decide that’s the right choice.

1. DO SOME DIGGING:

Whether you simply want an understanding of a regional, NYC antique value for your own peace of mind or plan to sell an item, start with some research. Because many antiques are passed down from generation to generation, you may have an emotional connection to the piece that makes it difficult to objectively evaluate its historical or artistic value. If you have records of sale, information about the artist or manufacturer, letters of authenticity, or other identifying documents, those are great place to begin your search.

2. CALL IN THE PROS:

Next, call in the pros. An NYC antique value finder such as Syl-Lee Antiques can help you evaluate your antique and fine art items. This evaluation is important whether you plan to sell or not. If needed we can also connect you with one of our licensed antique appraisers. This is mainly used when you need to insure the piece against theft, fire or loss. Once a professional verifies the authenticity of a piece, he or she can gauge its value based on condition, rarity and current market. Because professional companies such as Syl-Lee have specialists for almost every type of antique – from antique paintings and furniture to modern art and glass, Asian antiques and estate jewelry – you’ll have much greater transparency into the market value of your antique, and Syl-lee Antiques will buy the item from your for cash on the spot!

3. SET EXPECTATIONS:  

Before you make a decision about whether to sell or not, set your expectations. You can trust Syl-Lee to give you honest information about the value of your piece. This family-owned business has more than 40 years of experience in the antiques industry and always deals with our clients with sensitivity and confidentiality. We know that your choice to have your antiques appraised or evaluated is an intimate invitation into your home, and we want to make sure you are comfortable and confident every step of the way. We can help you set reasonable expectations for sale and we are here to answer questions as they come up. 

4. BEGIN THE PROCESS:

If you decide you’re ready to sell, Syl-Lee Antiques has close relationships with Manhattan auction houses, vendors and private buyers who can help you take the next step. If you decide to keep your heirloom and pass it on to the next generation, we’ll help you safeguard your valuables, so your family can enjoy them for years to come.

About Syl-lee Antiques

Syl-lee Antiques is a family-owned and operated business, buying and selling antiques and jewelry in the New York City and Long Island markets for over 40 years. We understand that your time, like your antiques, is precious.

We schedule home visits for a free evaluation and purchase your antique and fine art items for cash on the spot. We also take care of all the packing and transport of your antiques no matter how big or delicate.

Our family looks forward to doing business with you.