Paid by the seller these fees are negotiable

Not easy to estimate the value of an object of art or collection. Furniture of time may have a trivial value because it is damaged or because it went from fashion and demand dried up. Conversely, a collection of posters or old toys that appear insignificant to its owner can truly be of interest. In short, better is worth to go to a professional to estimate certain property. "It breaks sometimes dreams." but it also creates, tells Bilberry Dumonteil, auctioneer, founder of Valorem Art. In an individual who had been coming for a pastel ultimately without value, I discovered a cut libatoire Horn of rhinoceros of the 17th century, he was then able to sell 25,000 euros.

Can be used to an expert, provided that they are vigilant. "France, expert trade is not regulated and 80 of professionals are also merchants." Therefore, judge and part at a time! ", explains Laurent Hache, Cabinet authenticity. Their tariffs are free: "They settled more often by a percentage increments on the estimated amount", he continues. They oscillate between 1 and 5, depending on the nature of the object and its price.

The expert may, in addition the estimate, play intermediaries in sales by mutual consent or auction. Another Trail: through an antique dealer. In principle, the Antiquarian (generalist or specialist) knows his market. He established her purchase price margin it may identify, which usually led to minimize the value of the property for more expensive possible resale and interest in the subject. But it pays often cash, which is an advantage for those who hold to confidentiality.

Can still be to appeal to an auctioneer. Commissioned by the owner, he has interest to sell as much as possible, his remuneration being calculated on the basis of a percentage of the transfer price. With regard to public sales, this professional must provide advertising, make a catalog if applicable. "Our goal is to bring maximum buyers to raise auction", says Bilberry Dumonteil. Here again, small flat, because the concern of the auctioneer is to complete the sales room. "If you have a Norman Cabinet, it is better to sell it in Normandy in the South of the France, but never the auctioneer would advise you," says Laurent hatchet.

Called for surveys or sales, auctioneers are free to determine their rates. Their remuneration is established on the basis of a percentage applied to the value of the objects. "For an inventory estimated at 30,000 euros, it costs around 300 euros excluding tax", says Bilberry Dumonteil. For a sale, the percentage varies between 10 and 20 depending on the assigned objects, average around 15 to 17. "There are objects that don't require catalog and, in this case, the costs can be reduced from 12 to 13." Paid by the seller, these fees are negotiable. "All other costs are important and more we have latitude to negotiate," said Laurent hatchet. The auctioneer collects its fees only when the object is sold. They are taken directly on the selling price (for the taxation of capital gains, read next page).