Robert Stephens

The value of vinyl records is very subjective and certainly up for debate. There are many elements that go into determining how a specific folder or an entire collection can be useful. Do you use the fair market value, replacement value or value guide on the registration price? As I discovered, much depends on circumstances, and how best to achieve these goals is to have your collection professionally assessed. I had the opportunity to talk with professional appraiser and music historian Stephen MH Braitman on the elements that go into putting a value on a record collection.

But first, let me introduce you to Stephen. He has been involved in records and music since the late 60s, entertainment writing and editing several publications and music. There was also a broker, buying and selling records, posters and memorabilia over the years. His widely recognized expertise in the market for music and memorabilia makes his most important appraisal services for estate planning, charitable giving, expert testimony and insurance coverage and claims. His references are many: the passage of the American Society of Appraisers (ASA) Principles of Practice and Code of Ethics Review in 2004, courses on topics such as uniform standards for professionals to Evaluation Practice (USPAP) personal property value, Methodology-Research and analysis and the legal and business environment assessment. There is also a music analyst with Gracenote, the company's digital music management.

So what does all this mean? Stephen MH Braitman is qualified, licensed appraiser. Why is it so important service unique? As I discussed details of his profession with Mr. Braitman, we'll explore some of the details that go into the record collection of the assessment and the way a record collection must be evaluated.

"This is a new service, a new genus, so to speak," he said. "The service is offered for those who may have small or large collections and have really no idea of their value. Unfortunately, there is no legal requirement to qualify as an expert, except in the real estate market but the IRS and the Foundation Assessment opened the way for the adoption of nationally recognized standards that reputable appraisers in all areas of use. The IRS, for example, uses the concept of fair value market, which means the agreed price, paid by a loan, a knowledgeable buyer willing seller responsible. One reason I entered this profession is not only because of my love for music and memories music, but because I felt that the industry needs certified appraisers to provide essential assistance in establishing values of collections for insurance, estate planning, tax claims for grants, personal conflicts and investment. Part of it is also called as an expert witness to testify and to safeguard the values set in a collection. This is where I enter the picture. "

When asked what exactly happens in an assessment, said Stephen

"There are many variables that must be recognized when placing a value on a collection. It also depends on the objective of the evaluation. For example, the IRS uses the fair market value in determining the value of donated equipment. But the replacement value in insurance cases different, it's more because you have to pay a higher cost to recover some of collectibles, say, that may have been lost in a fire. So, for the assessment should be taken into consideration as well. "

"We are looking for comparable items in the current market. There are many facets of research, including recent sales and meaningful analysis of trends, professional consensus, retail stores, auction prices and the record price guide. The guides are a record price of Nice.