Frequently Asked Questions

We provide independent residential appraisals for estate and date-of-death matters, divorce and equitable distribution, retrospective valuations, litigation support, private valuation needs, and complex properties. Appraisal-related expert witness services are also available by separate arrangement.

We serve Philadelphia, Bucks, Montgomery, Delaware, and Chester Counties in Pennsylvania. Contact us to discuss your property’s location and appraisal needs.

Fees are quoted case by case based on the property, how the appraisal will be used, the date the value applies to, and the inspection, research, and analysis required. Contact us with the property address and appraisal requirements for a quote.

We accept Cash, Check, Venmo, Cash App, and PayPal.

Complete our Request an Appraisal form or call (215) 783-6960. Include the property address, appraisal purpose, required valuation date, and any deadline. We will discuss requirements and scheduling before accepting an assignment; submitting the form does not establish one.

Timing depends on the property, complexity, access, available information, and current scheduling. Tell us about any filing, settlement, or other deadline when you inquire. We will discuss an anticipated completion date and confirm whether your timeframe can be accommodated.

When an interior and exterior inspection is included, the appraiser documents the property’s size, layout, condition, quality, features, and improvements. Access and anticipated inspection time are discussed when scheduling. An appraisal inspection serves a valuation purpose and does not replace a professional home inspection.

Start with the property address, why you need an appraisal, who it is being prepared for, and any deadlines. Include the required effective date—the date the opinion of value should apply to—if known. We will identify any useful supporting information, such as surveys, floor plans, improvement records, leases, or records of the property’s prior condition.

Yes. A retrospective appraisal develops an opinion of value as of a specified historical date, including an owner’s date of death. It may be appropriate for estate, divorce, litigation, and other valuation matters.

The analysis considers market information and property characteristics relevant to that date. Historical photographs or property records may be helpful. Estate assignments do not always require a date-of-death value; confirm the appropriate effective date with your attorney, accountant, or other advisor before the assignment begins.

A comparative market analysis typically supports a listing or pricing decision. An online estimate generally relies on automated analysis of available data. A residential appraisal develops an independent opinion of value for a defined intended use, intended users, and effective date, based on the requirements of the assignment.

The report communicates the appraiser’s analysis and opinion of value, together with information needed to understand the assignment and conclusions. Its format and contents reflect the property, intended use—what the appraisal will be used for—and intended users—the client and any other users identified by the appraiser. It also explains the scope of work: the type and extent of inspection, research, and analysis performed.

Report format, delivery method, and authorized recipients will be discussed as part of the assignment arrangements.

An appraisal is developed for a specified intended use—what it will be used for—and identified intended users—the client and any other people or organizations identified by the appraiser as users of the appraisal. Receiving a copy does not automatically make someone an intended user. A report prepared for an estate or divorce matter may not satisfy a lender’s or another party’s requirements.

Discuss additional proposed uses or recipients before the assignment begins. If your needs change afterward, contact us to determine whether additional work or a new assignment is needed.

We can answer questions to clarify the information, analysis, and conclusions in the delivered appraisal report. Additional consultation, new analysis, preparation for legal proceedings, and testimony are not automatically included in the appraisal fee and may require separate arrangements and fees. Discuss these needs before the assignment begins whenever possible.

The appraiser remains independent and impartial; an appraisal does not guarantee a particular settlement, court decision, or other outcome.