Why choose us?
Quality and experience. We strive to maintain a high level of customer service, combined with reasonable pricing. Our customers will see the time and attention to detail in each report, with multiple supporting exhibits that enhance the overall credibility. We feel this sets us apart from many of our competitors. The "intended user" of your appraisal may be an attorney, a government agency, a prospective buyer/seller, or even a family member, and you'll want the assurance of a professional valuation product that reduces the possibility of being challenged.
Common uses for our Appraisals
Whether you are a homeowner, prospective buyer, estate trustee, attorney, accountant, or real estate agent, an independent appraisal can be helpful. We are licensed and certified by the State of California Bureau of Real Estate Appraisers, and confidentiality is maintained at all times.
If you require an appraisal for an estate, trust, or inheritance (including date of death and gifting valuations as of a retrospective date), our certified reports are IRS qualified and will offer an opinion of "fair market value" (FMV).
When attempting to buy or sell a home, an appraisal can be a starting point in the negotiation process. DID YOU KNOW when a mortgage lender requests an appraisal, it is for the purpose of their own risk assessment, and its contents may not be relied upon with legal certainty by anyone other than the lender or their specifically named intended users (regardless of who pays for the appraisal)? In some instances, you may want to consider getting your own appraisal to serve as consumer protection in your decision process.
In situations involving marriage or partnership dissolution, an appraisal may be needed for the separation of assets. We are sensitive to the circumstances, and our reports are always unbiased (at this time we do not offer expert witness services).
When engaging in the process of immigration you may be required to obtain an appraisal, and we can assist in these instances.
If you are seeking building permits for proposed renovations, or are in need of an estimate of insurable value, we offer a building cost analysis for the existing dwelling.
Our Appraisal Products
Parkside Appraisal Services, Inc specializes in residential dwellings up to 4 units in size. Pricing depends on the scope of work and property type. Please contact us for quotes and turn times. The following appraisal products are most common:
STANDARD APPRAISAL: A physical visit is made to the property and the inside and outside of the structures are viewed. A floor plan rendering is generated, often using LiDAR technology. This is the most complete appraisal option and is particularly recommended when there has been a past addition, and/or for older homes constructed prior to modern permits record-keeping. *This service is also available as an "exterior-only" option in which only the outside of the structures are viewed. Contact us for details.
DESKTOP APPRAISAL: All analysis is done remotely, and there is no physical visit to the site. This option requires your assistance with photographs and other pertinent information needed for us to gain an appropriate knowledge of the property. A credible source for the size of the structures is required. A "desktop appraisal" is common when there is no access to the site, or when there are privacy concerns, but may not be suitable in some circumstances. Despite the lack of a physical visit, this appraisal option remains highly detailed.
BUILDING COST ANALYSIS: This service is often requested when obtaining permits for proposed renovations (commonly when in a flood zone), or when there is a need for an estimate of insurable value. Our inspection is similar in scope to a "Standard Appraisal".
Is an online valuation service reliable?
Popular websites that offer a free opinion of value utilize "automated valuation models" (AVM's) which are statistically based computer programs that cannot physically see the property. An AVM may appear reasonable in some instances, however they are often inaccurate and should not be relied upon in place of your own appraisal. While we encourage the use of the latest technology, it is important to also apply human analysis.
Parkside Appraisal Services, Inc was established in the year 2000, and we have decades of Bay Area experience. Initial consultation is offered free of charge, and we will make an effort to direct to you the best course of action for your circumstance.
We emphasize the production of quality products, with prompt and courteous communication. Our customers can expect reliable report completion times.
