Regarding Rule 702 and Daubert v. Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals Inc., 509 U.S. 579, 589, this court decision set a precedent placing an obligation on federal judges to determine that scientific testimony is relevant and reliable. The four criterion utilized are testability, peer review of theory or technique, potential error rate, and industry standards and general acceptability in the industry. The case purportedly set new guide lines for testimony. However, in Kumho Tire Co. v. Carmichael (97-1709) 526 U.S. 137 (1999) 131 F.3d 1433, reversed, the Eleventh Circuit court held that the District Court erred in that Daubert was limited to a scientific context and did not apply to the expert testimony in this case, which it characterized as skill- or experience-based.

We believe all of our real estate appraisal reports prepared by AppraiserValues.com meet or exceed the Uniform Standards of Appraisal Practice (USPAP)and generally recognized industry standards, techniques and methodologies. In order to comply with guidelines set forth in Daubert, generally additional research is required to search out empirical data and peer review articles to further support a real estate appraisal valuation opinion. However, one must note that because a real estate appraisal opinion is generally regarded in the industry as an art and not a science, appraiser experience and skill level is also extremely important in expert court testimony.   

Each California real estate appraisal expert must remain unbiased when testifying in a real estate matter. Therefore, we cannot be an advocate for either side. However, we can consult with you and advise you about the relative strength of an appraisal presented by opposing parties. We can also perform additional real estate research and analysis to support or discredit assumptions or conclusions. Some examples of issues acting as a real estate consultant involving a real estate appraiser includes:

• Bankruptcy
• Standards of Professional Practice
• Mortgage Fraud
• Real Estate Fraud 
• Stigma
• Real Estate Research & Opinion Survey's
• Marital Dissolution (Divorce)
• Real Estate Construction Defects
• Real Estate Damages
• Diminution in Value
• Fair Market Rent - Leasehold Analysis
• Probate & Wills involving Real Estate Appraisal
• Trusts
• IRS Estate Tax Filing 706, 709, 8283
• Foreclosure & REO real estate Bank Owned
• Estate Planning
• Property Tax Assessment Appeal Challenge
• Date of Death Valuation (forensic research & restrospective valuation) 
• Estate Settlement Valuation for Divorce, Partnership, IRS Taxation issues etc.
• Accounting Matters - Balance Sheet Real Estate Asset Valuations
• Foreclosure Fraud
• Los Angeles Real Estate Fraud
• Orange County Fraud
• Deceptive Loan & Mortgage Practices
• Riverside Real Estate Fraud
• Insurance Claims Adjuster Appraisal Services 
• Real Estate Damages
• Construction Claims
• Fire damages
• Soils and Geological Issues

Clients who have utilized our real estate expert witness services include, support services for attorneys, testimony for mortgage fraud, loan fraud, SBA lending, wholesale secondary mortgage market, lenders, banks, construction loan finance entities, secondary mortgage warehousing market, REO Sales Departments, auction companies, alternative dispute resolution, fee arbitration panels, savings banks, corporations, tax entities, insurance and financial institutions, legal and accounting firms and many other businesses. In many cases, our real estate appraisal consultants have produced independent supportable opinions of value that has allowed many clients to settle real estate disputes without going to court.

Our appraisal firm is listed as number #1 in the Los Angeles County Bar Association Real Estate Expert Consultants Directory with 30 years of experience and a proven track record in real estate appraisal consulting services. If your client requires real estate court testimony, our firm will review each case presented to us. If we feel your case meets our requirements, the following fees and requirements will apply before we accept any appraisal assignment:

• A signed written fee agreement and payment of the retainer fee is required before filing a designation as an expert with the court.   
• Inspection, research, and consultation $300.00 per hour or a quoted flat fee for the real estate appraisal report per agreement.
• Retainer required. The fee for court testimony is separate from the appraisal report fee. $300.00 per hr. 5 hr. minimum portal to portal plus expenses if outside Orange County. Travel time billed at $150 per hour.
• Deposition testimony $400 per hour plus travel expenses.
• Declarations - Minimum review and signing fee $350.00. If research is required by the principal $300.00 per hour.
• Document preparation based on an hourly rate.
• Film, photo finishing , postage, color copies @ time and cost of materials.
• Outside typical service areas - normal appraisal fees and actual expenses incurred.
• Non-refundable fee for designation with the court of $475.00 (must accompany signed agreement and will be deducted from retainer).
• A Minimum retainer Fee $3,500 (Minimum) & up depending on the case. Retainer fee increase will apply when existing retainer falls below $500.00. Any unused portion will be returned within 30 days. Any amount spent from retainer is non-refundable. All fees are payable up front and are not contingent or based upon settlement or withdrawal of the matter.
• Preliminary real estate discussions with you or your client does not constitute acceptance of an assignment without a signed written fee agreement and payment of a retainer fee.

• 100% of any remaining estimated consulting fee charges are payable prior to attendance at the first day of hearing/trial or deposition. All travel and hotel accommodations are expected to be provided as well. This insures the court or arbitration/mediation panel that the real estate appraiser is independent and fees are not contingent on an award being granted.

County Expert Real Estate, County Real Property Appraiser, Orange County, Riverside County, San Diego County, San Bernardino County, Los County, Ventura County, Santa Barbara County. Each residential, luxury home, and commercial consultant is available by appointment only. Specialized litigation support services offered include determination of damages, construction defects, landslides, foundation issues, cracked slab, detrimental conditions appraisal services, real estate research and opinion survey's. Expert Real Estate Robert Nord Real Estate Consultant holds the MAI Appraisal designation. Warren K. Hoppke Princial is a Senior Real Property Analyst and holds the SRPA designation both are Members of the Appraisal Institute Los Angeles California Chapter.
 

Disclaimer: All information that we provide on our web site is of a general nature. It is not intended to address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Even though we strive to provide accurate and timely information, we do not guarantee that such information is accurate. No one should act upon such information without appropriate professional advice after a thorough examination of the facts of their particular situation. We are not attorney's, tax professionals, financial planners or accountants. The above is not intended to give advise on legal, tax, financial planning, or accounting matters. Please check with your attorney, tax advisor, financial planner, and accountant for information regarding said matters. The MAI Appraiser designation is a Trademark of the Appraisal Institute.

 Los Angeles, California 90067