Frequently Asked Questions

A real estate appraisal is an unbiased professional opinion of a property's market value. It's conducted by a licensed appraiser who analyzes the property, comparable sales, market conditions, and other factors to determine what a willing buyer would pay a willing seller in an arm's length transaction.

Appraisals are required for various purposes including:

• Mortgage financing and refinancing
• Estate planning and probate
• Property tax assessment appeals
• Divorce and matrimonial proceedings
• Insurance claims
• Investment analysis
• Legal disputes and litigation support

The timeline varies depending on the property type and complexity:

• Residential properties: Typically 3-5 business days
• Commercial properties: 1-3 weeks depending on complexity
• Specialized properties: 2-4 weeks

Rush services may be available for urgent requests with additional fees.

Several factors influence property value:

• Location: Neighborhood, proximity to amenities, schools, transportation
• Property characteristics: Size, age, condition, layout, features
• Market conditions: Supply and demand, economic factors
• Comparable sales: Recent sales of similar properties
• Zoning and land use: Development potential and restrictions
• Environmental factors: Flood zones, contamination, natural hazards

Our team consists of AACI (Accredited Appraiser Canadian Institute) designated professionals with extensive experience in real estate valuation. We maintain memberships with:

• Appraisal Institute of Canada (AIC)
• Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA)
• Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA)
• Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)

Our team has over 80 years of combined experience serving Southwestern Ontario.

We provide appraisal services throughout Southwestern Ontario, with particular expertise in:

• London and surrounding area
• Windsor-Essex region
• Guelph and Wellington County
• Kitchener-Waterloo region
• Chatham-Kent
• Sarnia-Lambton

Contact us to confirm service availability in your specific location.

Yes, our AACI-designated appraisers are qualified to provide accredited witness testimony in legal proceedings. We have extensive experience in:

• Expropriation cases
• Property damage claims
• Matrimonial property disputes
• Estate and probate matters
• Tax assessment appeals
• Commercial litigation

Appraisal fees vary based on several factors:

• Property type and complexity
• Intended use of the appraisal
• Timeline requirements
• Location and accessibility

We provide detailed fee quotes upfront with no hidden costs. Contact us for a personalized quote based on your specific needs.

To begin the appraisal process, we typically need:

• Property address and legal description
• Purpose of the appraisal
• Client contact information
• Property access arrangements
• Any relevant property documents (deed, survey, etc.)
• Special considerations or requirements

Our team will guide you through the information gathering process.

While not always required, having someone present during the inspection can be helpful to:

• Provide access to all areas of the property
• Answer questions about recent improvements
• Point out unique features or characteristics
• Discuss any property issues or concerns

For commercial properties, having a knowledgeable representative present is often beneficial.

After the property inspection, our appraiser will:

1. Research comparable sales and market data
2. Analyze the property using appropriate valuation methods
3. Prepare a comprehensive written report
4. Review and quality check the report
5. Deliver the final appraisal report to the client

We're available to discuss the findings and answer any questions about the report.

Yes, we have experience appraising a wide range of specialized properties including:

• Agricultural and farm properties
• Industrial and manufacturing facilities
• Special purpose properties (churches, schools, etc.)
• Development land
• Historic properties
• Contaminated or environmentally impacted sites

Our team's diverse expertise allows us to handle complex valuation challenges.

Absolutely. We provide comprehensive support for property tax assessment appeals including:

• Assessment review and analysis
• Market value opinions
• Comparable sales analysis
• Appeal documentation preparation
• Representation at assessment review board hearings

Our success rate in assessment appeals demonstrates our expertise in this area.

Yes, we offer various real estate consulting services including:

• Feasibility studies
• Highest and best use analysis
• Market studies and analysis
• Investment analysis
• Portfolio valuations
• Due diligence support

Our consulting services leverage our deep market knowledge and analytical expertise.