We serve the entire San Francisco Bay Area.

An appraisal is an expert opinion of value- often communicated through a formal report. Appraisals imply a comprehensive analysis which is more in-depth than a BPO (broker-price-opinion). There is no such thing as a "ballpark" appraisal.

The cost of an appraisal varies based on the complexity and specific requirements of the job; however, our fees are competitive for the industry. Please contact us for a detailed quote.

Zillow uses a propriety computer algorithm to estimate the value of a home which famously caused the company to lose nearly a billion dollars due to faulty valuation techniques. This is because Zillow’s algorithm is only able to account for public records and does not have information about the interior of the property. In some conforming areas, it may be accurate. In more heterogenous areas, it is often wildly off the mark.

The site visit is usually around 30 minutes for a standard tract home. The large custom homes, commercial properties, or acreage can take much longer- up to 2 hours.

The turnaround time for an appraisal can vary by availability and use, but we strive to provide timely appraisals to meet urgent needs.

Typically, we need property address, the purpose of the appraisal, and the date of valuation.

We are looking for all relevant elements of comparison which the property is comprised: condition of materials, level of renovation, views, layout, usable yard space, etc. Generally, an inspection consists of three elements: measurements, photographing the interior, and noting the property features.

Cleaning is not required, but most people want to put their best foot forward, so go ahead if you feel the need. Keep in mind that the appraiser will need access to every room in the house. If you have a roommate or child that likes to lock their door you will need a key for access. Providing the appraiser written list of the amenities and a renovation history is helpful to reduce inspection time. While making your list try to remember when you completed upgrades or changes with an approximate year of completion.

If you know for sure that a home sold in your area and it is either the same floor plan or similar, then give the address to the appraiser. You don’t need to be a real estate agent, but if you have some information share it with the appraiser.

Sure, but most appraisers prefer to do their work alone. Just remember the appraiser may have another job scheduled after yours and they need to be on time to that job as well. If you follow them around it may slow them down as you will typically ask questions or point out items of interest to you. We suggest you let the appraiser do their job first then ask your questions or point out your amenities prior to their departure. Even better, provide them with your written list of important items.

If you ordered the appraisal, you may discuss anything with the appraiser. If your lender or attorney ordered the appraisal, there are some limitations on how much the appraiser can disclose about their findings. Feel free to ask at the inspection.

If the appraiser is there for lending purposes then, you aren’t the client regardless if the lender charged you a fee. In a private party transaction, whoever hires the appraiser is the client (i.e- Attorney, Mediator, Trustee, or individual).

The inspection is the shortest and simplest portion of the appraisal process. The appraiser also researches elements of the properties zoning, allowable uses, environmental zones, and sales history. In addition, there is more research after the property inspection into local sales over a several year period. Finally, there is the actual report writing process which can take many hours to complete. At times, there are additional corrections to be make to the report. So the time the appraiser spends at your home is only a small portion of the total time that is required to complete a credible report.

Make sure you read the appraisal report first before you start questioning the value. The report likely has answers to your questions. For lending appraisals, there is a formalized process for asking for reconsiderations. Please reach out to your loan team to do so.

If your appraisal is not for a lending use, give us a call and we can discuss your concerns.

If you are involved in a litigation case such as family law or bankruptcy and you hire the appraiser, I would be very careful in calling the appraiser to discuss value. It might give the appearance that you are trying to influence the potential expert witness and that might not be a good thing for your case. Talk with your attorney before you call the appraiser.

Yes, all our appraisals are compliant with IRS guidelines to reduce liability risks.

Yes, we have experience in providing expert testimony and litigation support in court.