With over 20 years of experience serving Gig Harbor and surrounding communities, we bring unmatched local expertise and credibility. Our team also holds IFA and ASA designations, ensuring your appraisal is accurate, professional, and legally defensible. We offer appraisal, real estate consultations, and real estate agent services. Contact us at any time, so we can help you navigate your real estate needs.

The timeline depends on the type of appraisal and property being appraised. Typically, mortgage appraisals on non-complex properties are often quicker, whereas divorce, probate, or estate appraisals may take longer due to the additional legal requirements. As with all appraisal matters, it also depends on current market conditions. When markets are very busy, it usually takes longer to receive an appraisal report due to the volume of requests. We’ll provide you with an estimated timeline before starting your project and do our best to meet your needs.

To help us provide the most accurate valuation, please:

• Ensure all areas of the property are accessible.
• Provide documentation on recent upgrades or repairs.
• Tidy up the home or property to present it in its best condition.

Yes. While some appraisals are ordered through lenders or third parties, we are available to answer questions and provide clarification whenever possible. Appraisers are bound by confidentiality laws with their clients, so there are limitations. We are happy to take the time you need to help you understand appraisals. Contact us at any time if you have questions.

No. There was an urban myth that was perpetuated several years ago, stating that only a select few individuals in the transaction could speak with an appraiser. This was a result of lending regulations that were passed after the last market crash in the early 2000’s. The intent was to put a separation between mortgage origination personnel and the appraiser. However, it extended to anyone in the transaction. If you want further details, please call us, we would be happy to help you learn more about all things appraisal and real estate.

If you believe the appraisal does not accurately reflect the property’s characteristics, amenities, upgrades, value, etc., please contact us to discuss your concerns. Depending on your concern, there are different ways to address your concerns, and we would be more than happy to help guide you in that process.

Our appraisers hold IFA (Independent Fee Appraiser) and ASA (Accredited Senior Appraiser) designations. These designations are conferred upon appraisers by professional organizations who have had extra training, testing, and peer review of their skills. They demonstrate advanced training, adherence to strict industry standards and ethics, and a commitment to professional excellence.

Yes. Once the appraisal is complete, you will receive a detailed report. If the appraisal was ordered through a lender, you will receive it directly from them.

While not always required, a pre-listing appraisal can help you set the right asking price, reduce time on the market, and avoid surprises during negotiations. Our company offers pre-listing appraisals. However, we have other options that may also help you list your property and save some money. Feel free to contact us for a pre-listing consultation.

No. Appraisals are also needed for estate planning, divorce settlements, tax assessments, refinancing, probate, and legal disputes.

A pre-listing appraisal provides homeowners and real estate agents with an objective opinion of a property’s value before it is listed. This ensures a competitive price and builds buyer confidence.

A Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) from an agent provides a price estimate. The quality and accuracy depend on how the agent reviewed and interpreted the data. Some real estate agents are very good at pricing. Some simply go by price per square foot on average. However, an appraisal is a certified, unbiased opinion backed by data, comparable sales, a thorough review of the data, and professional standards. We have appraisers who are also real estate agents. We would be happy to assist you in any facet. Please give us a call for a free consultation.

Our focus is primarily on residential properties. However, we may assist with certain non-residential valuations on a case-by-case basis. We are also connected with commercial appraisers. Contact us to discuss your needs.

A tax assessment is an appraisal used by the county to calculate property taxes using a “mass appraisal” technique. An appraisal is a detailed and independent opinion of value of a specific property (not mass) prepared by a licensed or certified appraiser.

Yes. If your property has been over-assessed, an appraisal can provide documented evidence to support a tax appeal and potentially reduce your tax burden. Contact us for more information, as there are different elements that must be taken into account.

The appraiser will visit the property, take measurements, note the quality and condition of the home, take photographs, and ask questions about different characteristics of the property.

The cost depends on the type and complexity of the assignment. Estate, divorce, and tax appeal appraisals may cost more than standard residential appraisals. Each appraiser sets their own fee schedule. Contact us for a quote tailored to your needs.

Yes. We provide retrospective (date-of-death) appraisals for estate settlement, probate, and inheritance purposes.

Most lenders and institutions consider an appraisal valid for 90 days, but this can change or be different depending on the type of loan and market conditions. For legal or estate purposes, the report may remain useful for much longer.

Both determine a home’s current market value and are risk measurement tools for lenders. The key difference is that a purchase appraisal involves buyers, sellers, and agents who have a contract in place with specific deadlines. The appraisal reports are only different in what they report about the current transaction. The valuation process is the same.

No. Appraisal reports are confidential. If ordered by a lender, the lender receives the report. If ordered directly by you, only you will receive it.

Yes. We provide expert witness services when a professional, unbiased appraisal opinion is needed in legal proceedings.

We specialize in handling unique properties. There are different methodologies we use to value properties with complexity. Many times it requires more analysis, searching for sale further in distance, or using sales further back in time to ensure an accurate appraisal.

A “Fair Market Value” appraisal is required by the courts to determine asset division or for other financial calculations. We provide defensible, third-party reports that help both parties reach a fair settlement without unnecessary litigation.

If your assessment in Pierce County is higher than your home’s actual value, our appraisals provide the evidence needed to appeal to the Board of Equalization and potentially save thousands annually.

We understand the specific Minimum Property Requirements (MPRs) for VA loans near JBLM. We ensure accurate valuations that reflect the local military market to protect veterans and active-duty members.

Yes, an appraisal is typically required to establish the “Step-up in Basis” for IRS tax purposes. This protects heirs from overpaying capital gains tax when the property is eventually sold.

From the inspection in Coeur d’Alene or Sandpoint, we typically deliver a comprehensive, IRS-compliant report within 7 to 10 business days.

Absolutely. By identifying the “sweet spot” price, you avoid the stigma of a price drop or a stagnant listing. It also gives you a powerful tool to negotiate with cash buyers or skeptical lenders.

An inspection is in-depth and includes nearly all systems and components to determine their operation, condition and safety. Our appraisals determine market value by comparing readily observable conditions, quality and location with recent comparable sales in market areas like Silverdale.

Yes. We provide court-ready documentation and professional testimony for divorce and estate disputes across Western Washington and Northern Idaho.

High-end properties are unique. A professional appraisal ensures you don’t leave money on the table or scare away buyers with an unsupported “aspirational” price.

Yes, we frequently manage complex estates and provide a direct contact to the appraiser for all valuation needs. In Washington, we cover Spokane, Pierce, Kitsap, and Mason counties. In Idaho, we cover Bonner, Boundary, and Kootenai counties.