After the Appraisal

[Jeff Stickney]

        I recently asked for input on the appraisal of a Steinway L.  Now
that the appraisal is done, I have gotten calls twice from prospective
buyers.  One was actually referred to me by the seller, since I am "intimate
with the piano".  I am of the opinion that the seller has paid for my
services and therefore has the sole rights to that information.  On the
other hand, I don't want to play both sides of the fence by saying, "If you
want my opinion you need to pay me for an evaluation".  So, if they were not
referrd by the seller, do you simply tell tham to hire someone else to
evaluate the piano?  Even if the seller has referred them do you still send
them elsewhere?
        Another aspect is, the piano needs some work.  If I act as
"consultant" with a potential buyer as the technician who is "intimate with
the piano" it would likely lead to work in the event of the sale (that's a
crucial word, too - likely).  I have tried to be honest with the callers and
tell them up front that this puts me in an akward position, but they just
say they understand and go on with their questions.  Any hard and fast rules
here, or is this a caller by caller judgement call?
Jeff Stickney, RPT
University of Montana
jpage@selway.umt.edu