Question 1

What is the difference between a real estate appraiser and a real estate agent?

Accepted Answer

A real estate appraiser is an independent, licensed professional who provides unbiased property valuations based on market data, comparable sales, and professional analysis. Unlike real estate agents who represent buyers or sellers in transactions, appraisers are neutral third parties who provide objective opinions of value for legal, tax, or financial purposes. Our appraisals are USPAP-compliant and accepted by courts, the IRS, and attorneys.

Question 2

Do you provide appraisals for divorce proceedings in Florida?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we specialize in divorce appraisals for Palm Beach County and throughout Florida. We provide court-admissible property valuations for equitable distribution, including current market value appraisals, date of marriage retrospective valuations, and prenuptial appraisals. Our reports are USPAP-compliant and accepted by family law courts and attorneys.

Question 3

What is a date of death appraisal for estates?

Accepted Answer

A date of death appraisal establishes the fair market value of real property as of the date the owner passed away. This valuation is required for estate settlement, probate proceedings, estate tax returns (IRS Form 706), and establishing the step-up in basis for inherited property. We specialize in retrospective valuations and can accurately determine property values as of any past date.

Question 4

Can you provide expert witness testimony for litigation?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we provide expert witness testimony and litigation support for real estate valuation matters. Our appraiser is qualified to testify in court proceedings, depositions, and arbitrations. We handle cases involving property disputes, diminution in value claims, eminent domain, divorce, estate disputes, and other litigation matters requiring property valuation expertise.

Question 5

What is a retrospective appraisal?

Accepted Answer

A retrospective appraisal determines the value of a property as of a specific past date. This is commonly needed for date of death valuations, date of marriage valuations for divorce cases, tax purposes, estate planning, gift tax returns, and litigation matters. We specialize in historical market value reconstructions using comparable sales data and market conditions from the effective date of the appraisal.

Question 6

Are your appraisals accepted by the IRS?

Accepted Answer

Yes, our appraisals are USPAP-compliant and meet IRS requirements for estate tax returns (Form 706), gift tax returns, charitable contributions, conservation easements, and other tax-related purposes. We provide detailed, well-documented appraisal reports that satisfy IRS standards for real property valuations.

Question 7

How long does an appraisal take?

Accepted Answer

Standard turnaround time is 5-10 business days from the property inspection. Rush service is available for urgent needs such as court deadlines or time-sensitive legal matters. Turnaround time may vary depending on the complexity of the property, the type of appraisal required, and the availability of comparable sales data.

Question 8

What areas do you serve in Florida?

Accepted Answer

We serve all of Palm Beach County, Florida, including West Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Jupiter, Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Wellington, Boynton Beach, Lake Worth, Palm Beach, Royal Palm Beach, Greenacres, and surrounding areas.

Question 9

What is USPAP and why does it matter?

Accepted Answer

USPAP stands for Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice. It is the generally recognized ethical and performance standards for the appraisal profession in the United States. USPAP-compliant appraisals are required by courts, the IRS, government agencies, and most attorneys for legal and tax purposes. All of our appraisals are prepared in accordance with USPAP standards.

Question 10

Do you do appraisals for mortgage refinancing?

Accepted Answer

We focus exclusively on private appraisals for divorce, estate, tax, and litigation purposes. We are independent appraisers not affiliated with lenders. For mortgage lending or refinancing appraisals, you will need to contact an appraiser approved by your lender's panel.