It happens quite often when I perform a house or estate contents appraisal. A client brings out an item with a note from mom, dad or the grandparents that basically says, This is extremely valuable, or, This is worth X. Usually this value was obtained from a well-intentioned individual with little or no expertise in the category and is nowhere near todays realistic value. Often its a piece of cut glass, artwork or print, furniture item, Limoges plate or vase, china set, or perhaps a run-of-the-mill Chotchkee. The other day it was an antique and very primitive workbench that was 10 feet long, weighed several hundred pounds, and the young owner had been told it was worth at least $1,000 by a family member. I doubt that it would have brought $5 at auction. Frequently its up to me to break the bad news regarding value. And a sad reality today is that few in the younger generation want most antiques and collectibles the same way their parents or grandparents did. When anticipating leaving treasures to loved ones, remember that there are actually two totally different types of value. Sentimental Value This encompasses all of the stories, memories, family lore, and history associated with the item. Who owned it? Where did it came from? What makes it so special? Why should it remain in the family? Sentimental value can be valuable to family members who want to carry on the family legacy and share details with loved ones and future generations. If someone important or famous was associated with it, value can increase exponentially. Thats called provenance. But you cant spend sentimental value. Cash Value This is completely different from sentimental value. This is what someone can sell it for if they wish to convert it into cash. And unfortunately, all too often those who are left these valuable items want nothing to do with them and are disappointed when they hear how little theyre actually worth today. My advice is that if youre planning to leave some treasures to family members and loved ones, you need to do three things: First, make sure they actually want it. Second, create a written sentimental value legacy of the items you wish to pass on, which leaves no room for misunderstanding or confusion. Third, get a professional and impartial appraisal or opinion of cash value from a knowledgeable individual who has no interest in buying it. After all, youre leaving your family treasures to your loved ones. Its important and only fair that you leave them with an accurate history as well as realistic value expectations. Whats it worth? We perform many equitable distribution appraisals for clients who wish to avoid any family disagreements after their passing. Some prefer to leave specific items to specific loved ones. Others simply want their heirs to understand value so they can more equitably divide items among themselves. Thats precisely what an equitable distribution appraisal can accomplish. Another benefit is that values provided by an independent, unbiased, and impartial third party can protect you or the executor against undue criticism. Either way, you need to remember that sentimental value and cash value are two totally different entities, and its only fair that you leave both to your loved ones. Mike Ivankovich is an auctioneer, appraiser, home downsizing expert, and host of the Whats It Worth? Ask Mike the Appraiser radio show. Now in its fifth year, Whats It Worth airs live on Friday mornings from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. on WBCB 1490 AM in the greater Philadelphia area. It is available on the internet at www.WBCB1490.com. Listeners can also visit his radio show website at www.AskMikeTheAppraiser.com. To contact Mike Ivankovich, call 215-264-4304.