"Value in Doubt? Find Out!"

Determining value is not an easy task. Appraising is not an exact science. The appraisal process followed by a competent personal property appraiser is objective and market based. A competent general antiques appraiser must identify the problem and determine whether they are competent to solve the problem identified. If so, then the appraiser accepts the assignment and proceeds to develop credible assignment results. Then the appraiser must produce a meaningful, appropriate and complete personal property appraisal report that is worthy of belief (even if the report is only brief and delivered verbally). The appraiser must always understand and comply with the minimum standards (USPAP) in order to protect the public. Appraisers must act competently and ethically at all times.

A general antiques appraiser and personal property appraiser begins by communicating carfully to determine that they are sufficiently experienced and knowledgeable to complete the appraisal assignment competently. Only then can the personal property appraiser accept a job because they know what needs to be dont and are able to conduct the scope of work necessary to solve the problem identified. The methods and techniques necessary to solve different assignments types varies greatly. The appraiser must choose and use the valuation methods and techniques that are necessary to solve the valuation problem initially presented by the client.

Appraisers must understand each subject property type and the relevent market to investigate. The appraiser must be competent with the assignment type and the assignment conditions that apply. The appraiser must be aware of, understand and correctly employ the theory and methods necessary to choose and analyze the appropriate market, to identify the relevant economic and geographic factors that apply as well as the demand factors (value and quality characteristics) of the subject property necessary to determine value. The burden is on the appraiser to do what ever is necessary to produce credible assignment results. It is not an easy task.

There are ever changing market factors and economic conditions at play. There are competing and alternative markets in which any given property could be sold. When value is significant the appraiser must select appropriate comparable objects and consider competing markets and market accessibility. As value increases the so does the diligence needed to identify relevant data, and apply a proper comparative analyses to ensure that the assignment results are worthy of belief.

When the personal property appraiser determines the assignment results developed are worthy of belief by intended users of the report, the appraiser must then communicate the opinions, analyses and conclusions to the client in a manner that is not misleading and that can be properly understood. This requires sufficient disclosure of the scope of work performed and a statement of all limiting conditions and assumptions that applied so that intended users can properly and meaningfully evaluate the report, judge its relevance and determine to what extent to rely upon it. The appraisal report options are flexible, depending upon intended use and assignment type. Sometime an oral report, accompanied by an "Oral Appraisal Report Disclosures" form, provides context to make the report meaningful and very cost effective.

A general personal property appraiser must act competently and ethically at all times in order that the public (the client and intended users) have a basis to invest their trust in the appraisers opinions, analyses and conclusions.

When Value is doubt...Find out! Contact William Novotny, a general antiques appraiser and personal property appraiser. He will provide you with a proper personal property appraisal report using an appropriate report option such as an oral appraisal report, restricted appraisal report or a more comprehensive appraisal report.

Please note that Novotny DOES NOT BUY personal property. It would be perceived as a conflict of interest.

Novotny can assist you with an Estate Sale

Since 1979 :

20 years full time antiques dealer at several large stores, (largest 20,000 sf from 1979-1986), antique malls and antique shows (1979-1999)
25 years pricing antiques & personal property for liquidation at Estate Sales (since 1989)
Since 1993 a general personal property appraiser
(AQB Certified USPAP Instructor since 2002)
Published 5 personal property appraisal journal articles as well as online appraisal standards courses since 2008

William Novotny is a general collectibles, antique, art and personal property appraiser in Los Angeles.

A personal property appraiser must be independent, objective, impartial, unbiased and competent.

All appraisal reports, written or oral, must comply with minimum standards that apply (USPAP) and must be suitable for the intended use.

A General personal property appraiser must be competent and qualified to solve complex appraisal problems with many property types.

William Novotny has 38 years of experience. He will provide meaningful, well reasoned value opinions defensible by data and worthy of belief by every client

Make An Appointment

Check credentials (CV/Resume)

Ask all appraisers you interview if they completed the 15-Hour USPAP course, passed the test and have taken all current 7 Hour USPAP Update Courses since. Ask if they are a member of a professional appraisal society or association?

If they answer "no" - proceed cautiously!

You’ve made an important and wise decision to seek an antique appraiser. Carefully consider this:

Rest Easy. Use Novotny as your antiques and personal property appraiser. He will:

Intended Use

Personal Property Object Types Appraised

Personal Property Appraiser
Ethical and Competent
Careful Problem Identification
Flexible Scope of Work
Relevant Market Based
Carefully Developed Opinions
Flexible Report Options
Oral or Formal Reports
Credible Opinions
USPAP Compliant
Expert Witness Background
AQB Certified USPAP Instructor
Instructor of Appraisal Theory Methods, Practice and Report Writing
Dedicated To Do It Right

Value in Doubt? Find Out!

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Most Types of Objects

Welcome!

Valuation services since 1979

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Personal Property Appraiser of most property types and general household goods * General Antiques Appraiser in Los Angeles and Orange County.

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General Antiques and Personal Property Appraiser

General Antiques Appraiser - Personal Property Appraiser

General Antiques Appraiser and Personal Property Appraiser

in Los Angeles County, Orange County, San Gabriel Valley and So. California.

Most Intended Uses:

Expert Witness/Litigation Support, Decision Making,

IRS Tax, Trust Management, Probate,

Equitable Distribution, Divorce, Estate Planning,

Sales Advisory, Appraisal Review

Complex Assignments, Preliminary Reports

Single Objects or Complete Houseful -

REPORT OPTIONS: Oral Appraisal,

Restricted Appraisal Report or a comprehensive, formal Appraisal Report

A complete description of important objects includes:

• Maker, Model #, Pattern, Artist

• Type of Object (Title and Description)

• Period (Date Created/Circa)

• Medium (Material) Country

• Dimensions

• Signature, inscriptions-other identifying details

• Condition & quality/rarity/provenance, ETC.

• act competently and ethically,
•    understand your valuation problem,
•    use the applicable value definition,
•    research the appropriate market level,
•    perform the necessary scope of work,
•    solve your appraisal problem credibly,
• and prepare a meaningful oral or written report.