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Appraisers aren't just for the wealthy, according to Genice Lee of Greenbelt.

"Even average people should know what's in their homes," said Lee, a candidate member of the American Society of Appraisers. Knowing the value of long-held family items, she said, can help you pass your heritage to the next generation — or put some extra money in your pocket.

Lee seeks to educate the public, particularly African Americans, about the importance of preparing an estate for themselves or for an elderly relative. She has spoken to large groups about it and given radio interviews on the subject. She hopes to set up more meetings in the future.

With a love of history and a desire to find interesting things, Lee says she got her start as a garage/estate sale junkie.

"I liked lamps, chairs and mantle clocks with chimes," Lee said.

Eventually Lee's husband called a halt to her hobby by telling her, "You can't keep bringing this stuff home."

Lee then began looking for ways to turn her hobby into a business. She completed a certificate program at George Washington University in 2004 and is halfway through the process of completing her accreditation with the appraisers' society, based in Herndon.

Antiques are items that are 100 years old or older, Lee said.

"Items in our homes age as we grow up with them," she said.

And objects such as carnival or depression glass that seem worthless might actually be valuable collectibles.

"I spoke with a colleague who went to estate sales that advertised Bakelite bracelets," Lee said.

These low-cost, plastic bracelets are now collectibles that sell for $50 to $100. "Five or six of these things really add up," she said. But owners who don't know the value of their items could drastically undersell their property, she said.

Lee also encourages homeowners to catalogue their items by going throughout their homes and taking an inventory. Such a list would become vital after a fire, flood or other natural disaster, said Lee, noting the loss of valuable artistic treasures when Peggy Cooper Cafritz's home in the District caught fire in 2009.

Homeowners can document items with pictures or a videotape, update their insurance policies and develop a spreadsheet that explains which family member gets what after their deaths.

"You might want to give an item to your grandchildren to pass a story along, but your children might think that object is junk and get rid of it," said Lee, who completed an appraisal for WHUR's Renee Nash after the death of Nash's mother.

Gregory Adams of Accokeek worked with Lee in 2009 to appraise items in his father's Mitchellville home after his father died. From this experience, he learned about organizing records and completing some tasks prior to death, such as giving beloved items away.

"These things can make a difficult process a bit easier," Adams said.

Lee not only educates others about the need for appraisals, but she also talks to young adults about career options in her field.

"Appraisers don't often look like me," she said, "but the field is wide open."

Genice Lee

How she makes a difference: Lee educates the public through meetings with groups and interviews on the radio on the importance of appraising their valuables and preparing their estates. For information, call 240-398-8490.