A bankruptcy filing turns on what the debtor's real property is actually worth. Overstate it and exemptions get consumed that should have been protected; understate it and the trustee will say so. An independent appraisal settles the question with evidence.
Establishing Equity
The court and the trustee work from the appraised value, subtract liens and apply exemptions to decide whether there is equity worth administering. An accurate, well-supported figure protects a debtor from phantom equity and stands up to the trustee's review.
Chapter 7, 11 and 13
The valuation question shifts by chapter. A Chapter 7 trustee is asking whether the asset is worth liquidating. A Chapter 13 plan may need value to cram down or strip a junior lien. Chapter 11 reorganizations often involve several parcels. Tell me the chapter and the issue, and the report will be scoped to it.
Working to Filing Deadlines
Bankruptcy runs on a calendar that does not move. I will give you a realistic turnaround before you order, and rush delivery is available when the schedule demands it.
Debtor and Creditor Counsel Both
I take assignments from either side. The report does not change depending on which, and I will say so on the stand if asked.
Where I Can Take This Assignment
Two counties — San Diego and Riverside — I cover in person, which opens up the inspection-based report types. Everywhere else in California I work by desktop appraisal, and that reaches every one of the state's 58 counties. This site carries dedicated pages for 126 communities in 17 of them.
Getting a Figure From Me
The schedule opens at $299 and I pin down your number before any work begins. The whole fee schedule is published here; alternatively, describe the property and why you need it valued and I will come back with a price.