So many things happened in the world and in the nation in 2009 which we may not be very happy about, but most of those we had no control over. We would probably be a lot happier in 2010, if we resolved to concentrate more on those things we can control.

Among the things we do have control over are our own assets, including everything we have accumulated or inherited over the years. Knowing the value of these assets can help us make decisions that will make us much happier at this time next year.

Understanding the value and liquidity of the things we own can help us decide what we can sell, what we should keep and, what we might consider buying more of. Here are some resolutions we should make in the New Year that will help us get control of these assets:

Do the research. For prices, I subscribe to various databases for prices like priceminer.com (about $100 a year) and the Maine Antique Digest, which gives print subscribers access to their database for about $47 a year at www.maineantiquedigest.com. Kovel’s has a less expensive on-line newsletter. See www.kovelsonline.com. For specific books, try www.shop.collect.com.

On-line retailers are a good source for prices and they are free. Look especially for replacement services like replacementslimited.com for glassware, china and silver. Of course, you have to know your manufacturer and pattern name.
Visit the shops. This is the fun part of learning. There are about 40 shops right here on the Jersey Cape. They are a wonderful resource, not available in such a number anywhere else in the state. Somewhere out there stuff like yours has a tag on it with a description and a price, and a friendly neighborhood shopkeeper to talk with.

Understand the terms. Selling to dealers, you might get 35-50 percent of what your item might sell for. Some dealers may be willing to work out a consignment deal with you in which you can do better. Running a business is expensive. Dealers earn their money researching, marketing, advertising and dealing with the public.

Locate local auction houses. Also, you should learn what they deal in. Keel Row in Seaville, Bob Brooks in Malaga, Elmer, Dutch, Freeman’s in Philadelphia, Aldefers in Hatfield, will often have websites, where you can view the results of past sales.

Remember that on-line auction sites, like eBay, are still auctions, and auctions can be risky unless you protect your items with a reserve price. EBay selling can also be very time-consuming. Make sure you read their “How to Sell” instructions before you get started.

Check for local businesses, like Treasure Hunt in Wildwood that, for a percentage, will sell your stuff on eBay for you.

Ask for help. You may need to contact an appraiser, especially if you need the value of your items legally documented for some reason – insurance, charitable donation, inheritance, etc. Certified appraisers start at about $75 an hour, and some will charge a set fee for a walk-through consultation in your home. Any appraiser who writes up and signs an appraisal, however, has created a legal document, and can never ever buy your items.

You can also send questions to me at the email address below. Just be sure to include a picture if you can and a description, including dimensions, and marks or labels. I will be on vacation for the next few weeks, but I’ll be checking my emails for your questions.

When I return, I’ll be doing two appraisal nights (Feb. 23 and Mar. 23) for the benefit of the Wetlands Institute on Stone Harbor Boulevard (609-368-1211). And you’re all invited to bring in your things for appraisal.

In the meantime, a happy, healthy and lucky 2010, neighbors! Let’s all resolve to get smarter and live better in the new year by keeping the conversation going.

Arthur Schwerdt, a certified appraiser, is the author of “The Antique Story Book: Finding the Real Value of Old Things,” and co-owner of The, August Farmhouse Antiques on Route 9 in Swainton. Send your comments questions or appraisal requests to aschwerdt@cmcherald.com.