Appraisal Web sites can help put a price on possessions

Friday, April 7th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

That baseball card stored in a footlocker for decades or that armoire you picked up for a song at a garage sale may be worth serious money. You know that Web auction sites such as eBay can help you buy or sell such collectibles, but the Internet has made valuing them easier, too.

A couple of professional organizations, the Appraisers Association of America and the American Society of Appraisers, have resources available on the Web to help consumers find qualified appraisers nearby. Their sites are at www.appraisersassoc.org and www.appraisers.org respectively.

Commercial sites offer assistance as well. Customers of AuctionWatch.com Eepraisals.com, for instance, provide descriptions and digital photos of the items they want valued. Experts analyze the information and issue an opinion as to the item's worth.

Both companies charge $20, though AuctionWatch's service is half-price to American Express card holders until April 29.

Both companies also make clear that their findings are not formal appraisals, which typically require physical examination of the items, are often legally binding and can cost hundreds of dollars