When a marriage ends, the marital home and any other real property are often among the largest assets to be divided. A divorce appraisal provides an independent, documented opinion of the property's market value so the division can be based on an objective number rather than estimates, tax assessments, or automated online values. Either spouse, or their attorneys, may engage the appraiser, and the report can be prepared for settlement negotiation, mediation, or court proceedings.
When a divorce appraisal is needed
A divorce appraisal is typically needed when one spouse will keep the home and buy out the other's interest, when the home will be sold and the proceeds divided, or when the parties disagree about what the property is worth. A current appraisal is also commonly required when the spouse keeping the home refinances the mortgage into their name alone, since the lender will need a supported value for the new loan. In some cases, a retrospective appraisal is needed to establish the property's value at an earlier date, such as the date of marriage or separation.
How the process works with Sanicola Appraisals
The appraiser is engaged as a neutral party - the assignment is the property's value, not either side's position. We inspect the property, research comparable sales in its market, and document the analysis in a report prepared to professional standards (USPAP), written so it can be relied on by attorneys, mediators, and the court. Where a case requires it, expert witness testimony is available to explain and support the appraisal in deposition or in court.
Sanicola Appraisals, LLC provides divorce appraisals in Washington County and Frederick County, Maryland; Berkeley County and Jefferson County, West Virginia.
Request a divorce appraisal
Attorneys and individuals can order directly. Call Sanicola Appraisals, LLC at (240) 217-7778 to discuss the property and your timeline.