Services
I write residential real estate appraisals for five common needs. If your situation isn't on this list, call me. Most of the time I can help, and if I can't, I'll point you to someone who can.
A pre-purchase appraisal gives you an independent opinion of value before you commit to a property. This is separate from the lender's appraisal and separate from what the seller is asking. You'll know whether the asking price reflects what the property is actually worth in today's market.
Good for: buyers in negotiation, FSBO purchases, anyone paying cash who wants an independent number.Selling on your own and want to price it right? A real appraisal gives you a defensible asking price. When buyers push back, or when their lender orders their own appraisal, you've got the comps and the reasoning already documented.
Good for: FSBO sellers, owners testing the market, anyone who wants to back up their asking price.When someone passes away, the estate usually needs a written valuation of any real estate they owned. This may be required by the probate court, by the IRS, or by the family for the fair division of property among heirs. I write date-of-value reports that meet IRS reporting standards and stand up to scrutiny.
Good for: executors, attorneys handling probate, families dividing inherited property, CPAs preparing estate filings.Divorce is not a subject matter to be taken lightly. When the marital home is part of the settlement, both sides need a number they can trust. I work as a neutral third party for one spouse, for both attorneys, or for a mediator. The report is written so it stands up in court if it needs to.
Good for: divorcing spouses, family-law attorneys, mediators.If your property tax assessment looks too high, an independent appraisal is the strongest evidence you can bring to your local Board of Review or to the Michigan Tax Tribunal. I will value the property as of the assessment date so that your appeal is built on the right number.
Good for: homeowners challenging their assessment, attorneys preparing tax-tribunal cases.Call and tell me about your situation. A short phone conversation is usually all it takes to figure out the right path.