
So, you've inherited something a little unexpected. What do you do next? Cash is nice, but vintage furniture or fancy bottles of wine can be just as exciting. The tricky part is figuring out what to do with these items, especially if there’s no note left about their value. First things first: assess the worth of the item. That vintage ashtray from your grandma might not seem like much, but it could be worth nearly $4,000. Check online marketplaces like eBay or Etsy to see what similar items are selling for. If you think your item is particularly valuable, consider getting it appraised by a professional (just keep in mind that can cost over $100 an hour). If you choose to sell, you can do it yourself online, or work with a professional or auction house. If you go the auction route, remember they’ll take a commission, so negotiate that fee upfront. If they won’t budge, see if you can negotiate other terms, like waiving shipping costs. Just make sure to get everything in writing.