An appraisal is an independently developed, unbiased, reasoned opinion of value based upon a proper identification of the subject objects and analysis of the marketplace. Clients should expect that appraisers are competent and ethical and that their report is worthy of belief. An appraisal report is a signed document appropriate for submission to insurance companies, the courts, the Internal Revenue Service and all private clients. There are no free appraisals.

Areas of General Personal Property Expertise:

Antiques, Fine Art, Decorative Art, Collectibles, Glass, Ceramics, Metals, Lighting, Textiles, Rugs, Native American and Asian Objects, Vinyl Records, Books, Ephemera, Depreciating Residential Contents including Used Furniture, Appliances and General Personal Property

Appraisals and Consultations for: 

  Litigation Support

  IRS Tax Purposes: Contribution, Gift and Estate Tax

  Acquiring Insurance Coverage

  Damaged Claims Settlement

  Diminution of Value

  Dissolution of Marriage

  Equitable Distribution

  Estate Planning

  Probate

  Bankruptcy

  Sales or Purchase Advisory

  Inventory and Photographic Documentation

  Appraisal Review        

Related Services:

AQB National Certified USPAP Instructor: 15 hour course or 7 hour update

Instructor of Valuation Studies Courses: Theory, Methods, Report Writing

Estate Sale Agent, Brokerage, Consultations, Guest Speaker

Estate Sales:

Liquidation specialist for Antiques, Decorative Art, and Residential Contents

The Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice  (USPAP)

For information about the federal minimum standards for appraisers (USPAP) you may contact The Appraisal Foundation, which has been authorized by Congress as the source of appraisal standards and appraiser qualifications. These standards have been adopted by the major appraisal organizations in North America, embraced by all branches of government, the insurance and banking industry, and are the generally accepted standards of appraisal practice. The Foundation may be reached at:

The Appraisal Foundation

 1029 Vermont Ave., NW, Suite 900

 Washington, D.C. 20005

Mr. Novotny was Certified by the Appraiser Qualification Board of the Appraisal Foundation as a National Instructor of USPAP in 2002. He requalified in 2005 and 2007. His certification (#10138) can be confirmed on the Appraisal Foundation website.