According to data from 2022, an average American inherits around $58,000. Many of those inherited possessions have more sentimental than monetary value. It is common for items that seem valuable to hold little cash value when appraised or sold. This list covers 25 inherited items that often disappoint financial worth.
Formal Wedding China Sets
Wedding China sets have been losing their glamor in recent times. This is due to the lack of family gatherings and a growing change in culture. Over time, they have transformed from being valuable possessions into mere showpiece items.
Large Furniture
When you inherit a home, you also get all the furniture as a part of the package. Even if the property costs a lot, the furniture that comes with it does not. In the resale market, the value of these large pieces of furniture is not worth considering. Besides, due to the age of the furniture, they do not work as home decor, either.
Costume Jewelry
Though not usually made of real gold or silver, costume jewelry looks pretty. The ones you inherit from your mother or grandmother hold special significance to you. Unfortunately, in the resale market, only a handful of jewelry from famous brands are usually worth selling. The jewelry made of gold or silver carries a resale value.
Holiday Decorations
Christmas or Halloween decorations from yesteryears usually hold a special place in our hearts. Unfortunately, they do not hold that place in the resale market. People prefer to buy new items, so old ones lose value drastically. Some stores sell unsold holiday decor for cheap prices when the holiday season ends.
Books
Most of us own books that are passed on to us over generations. They have become almost a part of our identity over the years. However, the sad truth is that unless a book is a first edition or a limited edition, there is not much resale value. Only a handful of books signed by the authors grow in value over time.
Older Model Televisions
Holding onto an older model tube-style television from past decades can bring back memories. However, at best, an old TV can fetch around $60-$200. Newer model TVs have far more features and capabilities. As a result, there is almost no demand.
Old Clothes
Old clothing is not always the best item to sell in the market. If you want to make quick bucks, selling old clothing will not be profitable. Stores featuring used clothing do not offer a lot of money in return for the accessories. Moreover, these clothing items may also be worn out and not good for use.
Old Equipments
A vintage sewing machine or a vintage lawn mower may be of special value to you. While those are unique items in your possession, you can not flip them for profit. The primary reason behind that is that there are very few buyers of old equipment nowadays.
Home Decor Artwork
The artwork that you receive from your ancestors will decorate your walls. They can hang on your living room walls and earn you praise. However, most of these pieces have very little resale value. Artwork and prints from unknown artists are often worth little on the secondary market.
Ethnic Textiles
Vintage textiles like blankets and rugs often feel cozy and nostalgic. Despite that, many antique textiles are only worth a little money if sold. Collectors pay high prices for rare, high-quality ethnic textiles in pristine condition.
Mismatched Fine China
Inheriting a mismatched set of fine China can still be lovely for display purposes. Incomplete Chinese sets are worth less money than a complete, intact set. Buyers want the full collection of pieces.
Dolls
Dolls from your childhood can be sentimental keepsakes. Yet, the vast majority do not increase in value as collectibles. This is because dolls stand the test of time only if they are rare and antique ones. Besides, most inherited dolls have been used for years, and their shine fades.
