Dividing a marital home requires a number that neither side chose. I appraise as an impartial professional, which is precisely why opposing counsel tends to accept the result instead of ordering a competing report.
Impartial, and Visibly So
I am not an advocate. The methodology does not shift based on who wrote the check, and I will not take an engagement conditioned on reaching a particular range. That stance is worth something practical to you: a report that reads as even-handed is far harder for the other side to dislodge.
When both spouses agree to retain one appraiser jointly, a two-client engagement costs considerably less than two separate reports and removes the duelling-appraisers problem entirely.
Date of Separation, Current Date, or Both
Depending on the matter, a California court may want the figure as of the separation date, as of today, or — frequently — may care about the gap between those two numbers — particularly where one spouse remained in the home and made improvements. I can prepare a retrospective value as of the separation date, a present-day value, or both on one engagement so the comparison is apples to apples.
Reimbursement, Improvements and Separate-Property Issues
Post-separation improvements, a down payment traceable to separate property, or a refinance partway through can all bear on what the court does with the value. I document the property's condition and what drives its value clearly enough that counsel can argue those issues from the report rather than around it.
Testimony When the Value Is Contested
I have served as an expert witness in family-law matters for years. If the value is challenged, I can be deposed or testify, and I write reports in plain, organized language that a judge can follow without an interpreter.
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.