Appraisal questions.

Arrange access and make rooms, the lower level and areas around equipment accessible. Gather any available survey, property records, prior inspection reports, listing or purchase agreement, and information about improvements. You can start the conversation before you have every document.

For an older rowhouse in Federal Hill or Fell's Point, tell us about alterations, the lower level and the home's condition. Those details help describe the property beyond its street address.

Yes. Baltimore City and Baltimore County are separate jurisdictions. Include the full property address when you contact us. A Maryland SDAT property record is useful if you have one; it helps identify the right property.

Find your Maryland property record ↗

Yes. A retrospective appraisal develops an opinion of value for a past effective date. For an estate, that may be the date of death. Ask your attorney or tax adviser which date and use apply, then share those instructions before the work begins.

Estate appraisal information →

Ask your attorney whether a formal appraisal would support the value needed for your matter. The answer depends on the property's treatment and the purpose of the report; a probate matter alone does not tell us what to order.

Probate appraisal information →

Confirm the valuation date, who is engaging the appraiser, who will receive the report and who may rely on it. Share your attorney's instructions. The appraisal provides an opinion of property value; it does not determine either spouse's legal share or the terms of a buyout.

Divorce appraisal information →

Before ordering, ask the lender or intended recipient what documentation it accepts and who must order it. Tell us those requirements so we can discuss the scope. An appraisal supplies a value opinion; the lender or reviewing authority decides what happens next.

The Appraising Group offers appraisal review services. Share the existing report and explain what you need reviewed so the scope can be discussed. If your matter may need testimony, a deposition or other support, discuss that separately with the appraiser and your attorney; availability must be confirmed.

No. An appraisal develops an independent opinion of value for an agreed purpose and date. A home inspection evaluates the home's condition and systems. A comparative market analysis (CMA) is a broker's pricing opinion. Ask the intended recipient which report your situation needs.

The appraiser considers the property, relevant market evidence and the approaches appropriate to the assignment. Comparable sales, public records and information gathered about the home help support the analysis.

The report identifies its intended use and users, the effective date, relevant property characteristics, the scope of work and the reasoning behind the value opinion.

There is no fixed return for a new kitchen, bathroom or addition. Tell us what changed and when, and share supporting records if available. The appraisal considers the home and relevant market evidence rather than adding renovation costs directly to its value.