Antique Tractor, Diamond or Dud

I recently received a call from an individual who wanted to know what her antique tractor was worth. With out knowing more about it than year, manufacturer and model, I doubt anyone would venture a guess as to what this individual might expect to sell this tractor for. She did say it was unrestored and used daily, as far as she knew it is in good condition, for its age, a clue that it was not in showroom condition. She said a friend of her husband's said it should be worth $15,000, she didn't mention his qualifications. I expect she wasn't completely sure or she wouldn't have called. She went on to state she had seen one listed on the Internet for $10,000. I did some research on like tractors that have sold around the country and found that they were bringing considerably less. In fact the highest price shown from a retail sale was $2,000 and $1,325 at an auction. I didn't mean to disappoint her with the facts, but asking and selling price are often very far apart. I venture to guess the tractor on the Internet has likely been well restored and may have some other reason for the healthy asking price tag as well. When it comes to what an antique of any type, tractor or other item is worth, there are many factors to take into consideration. When we come face to face with reality it is sometime painful to realize what you have is not exactly what the other guy just sold for the big bucks. The old slang of "if it looks like a duck, it must be a duck" doesn’t necessarily ring true when it comes to antiques. I suggest, before you set a selling price or pay a big purchase price, get a qualified appraiser to examine your antique; they will carefully look for any sign that indicates improved value. Make sure you are getting your money's worth buying or selling. Remember the information is not usually free, the appraiser has spent time and money for his/her training, so be prepared to pay for their knowledge. It can bring you the big bucks, and in some cases the disappointment. Next you have to find a buyer that is willing to pay the price. They are not usually found through your local newspaper. You must be willing to place ads in antique publications, and websites that cater to the audience likely to purchase what you are selling. Depending on the asking price you also need to be willing to wait for the right buyer or opt for the best offer. Make your antique look it's best, advertise truthfully and wait for the offers to come in.