Nationwide Appraisals and Appraisal Review
Novotny performs distant or online appraisals for attorneys, private clients and insurance adjustors. He can assist clients for many types of valuation assignments and property types, and for appraisal review.

Appraisal review assignments are based upon his certification as an AQB Certified National USPAP instructor. Appraisal reviews are guided by the requirements of STANDARD 3 of USPAP.  Novotny's background in appraisal course development and as an instructor of appraisal theory, methods and practice all work together to help him evaluation the quality of the work of other appraisers. 

What if a proprty inspection is not possible?
In some appraisals the property is no longer available for inspection due to total destruction, conversion, loss or theft. 

Novotny authored an article entitled "Equivalent Sampling: Valuation of Loss Claims with Limited Property Descriptions" published in 2008 in the Journal of Advanced Appraisal Studies. The article focused on assignments in which the identification of the property is based only on a list that is submitted by a plaintiff, defendant or an insured party. In some appraisal assignments nothing remains to inspect. The appraiser must determine  whether or not the description of the subject property is sufficient to develop a credible valuation.

Novotny has provided expert appraisal testimony at depositions and trials for many cases in which the antiques and personal property were no longer available for inspection. In some of these appraisal assignments there  were multiple plaintiffs, with each suffering a complete loss of their residential contents.

Household goods, antiques and personal property are frequently lost, stolen or destroyed, and inspection is not possible under any circumstances. In such cases the proper methodology becomes very important. The knowledge of a specialist, while always important, is less significant since some of the characteristics of the property may not identified identified and are unknown. Assumptions and limiting conditions become necessary. Novotny specializes in these types of appraisal assignments and has the necessary expertise. 

Novotny has been designated as an expert witness in at least thirty cases that involved the loss or destruction of personal property or antiques in California or out of state, including federal court, since 1996. For more information regarding Novotny's litigation support appraisal services visit the Expert Witness section of this website. 

ONLINE APPRAISALS:
In some appraisal assignments an inspection is possible, but not necessary

On onsite inspection by a qualified appraiser is the best course of action. 

Some appraisal assignments can be conducted using digital photographs and careful communication between the appraiser and the client. Certain types of personal property and antiques are appropriate for distance appraisals in this manner. However some high value antiques, fine or decorative art properties, with quality characteristics that do not reveal well in a photograph, require the touch, feel and personal examination of appraisers.

A brief, no cost, email or telephone consultation can answer whether or not a distant appraisal would be appropriate. During such a consult the costs and procedures can be discussed. Contact Novotny now by Email.

Important information that is needed for appraisals without an inspection:

Identify the quantity, the  name that is common for the object and the material from which it is constructed.

Provide a digital photograph, draw a sketch of the of the subject property, or describe the property in a word picture. 

Provide an estimate of the height, width and depth of each item 

Describe the condition, past repairs, alterations or restorations: (breaks, fading, surface  loss, cracks, chips,dents,scratches, abrasions, rubbing, discoloration, missing parts etc.)

Identify your cost, date and place of purchase.

Gather and provide copies of purchase receipts, canceled checks, documents such as prior appraisal reports, insurance schedules, inventories, family photographs that show all or part of lost objects,  history of exhibition, past ownership and other proof of provenance or celebrity ownership.

Provide an opinion of age: 18^th century, early 19^th century, circa 1920, mid 20th century, late 20th century, nearly new, etc.

Describe signatures, labels, brand names, makers, logos, make, model number, pattern name, title, or edition size. 

Each different type of property has specific characteristics that can be important

Learn more about the client's INTENDED USES for a Novotny appraisal.
To find out more about the types of personal property appraised visit PROPERTY TYPES 
To find out more about Novotny's Appraisal Services visit his HOME PAGE now.
If you need a generalist antiques and personal property appraiser CONTACT NOVOTNY