In a divorce, the appraiser's number can be the one both of you have to live with. A short checklist helps you pick someone both sides can accept.
Checklist
- License. Look the appraiser up in the BREA license search. It should be current.
- Independence. The appraiser has no stake in the outcome and is not on one spouse's payroll.
- Experience with divorce assignments. Ask how often the report is written for two sides and their attorneys.
- Valuation date. Confirm the date with your attorney, and that the appraiser can value to that date.
- Who engages and who receives. One neutral appraiser or two? Who gets the report?
- Local knowledge. Does the appraiser know Escondido streets, lot types and how hillside and older homes sell?
- Written fee. The fee and the scope in writing before work starts.
- Timing. Whether the report can be ready before your hearing or mediation.
- Support afterwards. What happens if your attorney has questions about the report.
Your attorney or mediator comes first
Whether to use one appraiser or two, and who pays, is something for your attorney or mediator. Bring the answers to the appraiser, not the other way around.
If you want to talk to us
Call with the address and the date you need. We will tell you how we work and quote by phone.