In Economy's Wake, Louisiana Appraiser David J. Goldberg Sees New Demands for Appraisers & Expert Witnesses.

(I-Newswire) August 24, 2009 - NEW ORLEANS, LA. When David J. Goldberg, President of the New Orleans based Appraisal Group, redirected the outcome of 146 contested personal property claims after Hurricane Katrina, he forged a new area of expertise. Goldberg, who was already known in New Orleans as an "appraiser's appraiser" with more than 30 years experience, added the title "expert witness" to his CV.

Now, with the fall-out from the economy creating personal challenges of disastrous proportions for many in the Southern states, David J. Goldberg sees the need for appraisal services and irrefutable seasoned testimony growing. To meet the demands of attorneys' handling succession, equitable distribution, divorce and bankruptcy cases, Goldberg is extending his company's reach.

Attorneys and accountants in the hard-hit states of Florida, Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas, Texas, Georgia and the Carolinas can now add the names of certified appraiser David J. Goldberg and The Appraisal Group to their support teams.

"Job losses and the home mortgage debacle have resulted in more people needing to reach quick resolution. We can provide fast, accurate appraisals so that people can move on and begin to rebuild their lives."

Goldberg's expertise in Southern antiques, silver, European and American paintings and fine prints, Arts & Crafts pottery, antique weapons and coins has proved on many occasions that a strong appraisal can be used as a litigation prevention tool.

"When families cannot agree and I show them the dollars and cents of their inheritance, most people are willing to accept mediation." In cases that do go to Court, Goldberg has proved to be an experienced, irrefutable expert witness. And in divorce cases, The Appraisal Group can identify tangible assets so that either party can understand their cash position in the impending negotiations over the value of the marriage estate.

When it comes to insurance appraisals, he is known for representing both the "little guy" and large institutions. Recently, Goldberg's knowledge was tested as appraiser-of-record for a New Orleans Museum of Art sculpture loan. When Jefferson Parish fathers wanted to place some of NOMA's outdoor sculptures in public places, Goldberg was called in to appraise the works and deliver an accurate and acceptable insurance replacement value.

With a battery of credentials that include a 25-year affiliation with the International Society of Appraisers and membership in the Certified Appraisers Guild of America, Goldberg's reliability and objectivity have withstood the test of time. Added to that is a unique sensitivity to all parties involved in difficult cases.

Born into a family of professional appraisers and auctioneers-Mr. Goldberg's father, Morton Goldberg, established one of New Orleans' first auction houses in the late 1940s-David Goldberg has appraised tens of thousands of items over the years. The Appraisal Group began as a joint venture between father and son in 1996, for "the valuation of art, antiques, household items for estate, divorce, and insurance matters."

Goldberg's appraisals have included the authentication and fair market valuation of paintings by both Monet and Renoir. Recently a Linke clock Goldberg appraised was sold to a Russian collector for $1,000,000; the Russian buyer wanted to make certain that the clock was indeed made by the renowned French belle époque era cabinetmaker Francois Linke, and Goldberg assured him of its authenticity, as such. However, it is smaller estates containing family heirlooms and collectibles that do not carry such obvious fair market values that are the crux of his business.

The Appraisal Group
POB 791997, New Orleans, La 70179
Contact: David Goldberg (504) 282 7611
mortongoldberg@cox.net
www.appraisalgoupusa.com

Company Contact Information
The Appraisal Group