RAVEN APPRAISALS
Appraisals serve many purposes, from sales and lending to estate and legal matters. We specialize in complex agricultural and rural estate properties, delivering accurate, well-supported valuations tailored to each client’s needs.
Below, we outline common appraisal uses and answer frequently asked questions about our process. If you have additional questions, feel free t—we’re happy to help!
Appraisals serve a range of purposes beyond just buying or selling a property. At Raven Appraisals, we provide accurate, supportable valuations tailored to the needs of each client and intended use. Common reasons clients engage us include:
Market Pricing & Sale Strategy
Whether you’re working with a broker, planning a sale among family members, or simply exploring your property’s market potential, a current appraisal provides an independent, data-driven valuation to help guide your decisions.
Lender-Compliant Appraisals
We provide appraisals that meet the standards of lending institutions for both purchase loans and refinancing. Our work complies with USPAP and industry guidelines, supporting banks, credit unions, and private lenders.
Estate Planning & Gifting
For clients working with estate attorneys or financial planners, we deliver appraisals used for estate planning, family gifting, and long-term wealth transfer strategies. These assignments are often prepared with IRS reporting requirements in mind, ensuring values are well-supported and clearly documented.
Estate Tax & Date-of-Death Valuations
When an estate is being settled, the IRS may require a formal appraisal to establish the value of real property as of the date of death. These retrospective valuations are often critical for tax filings and legal documentation.
Partnerships, Buyouts & Divorce
We assist in situations where an appraisal is needed to support partnership dissolutions, buy-sell agreements, or equitable division of property—whether in the context of a business arrangement or family law matter.
What types of properties do you specialize in?
We focus on complex agricultural and rural estate properties, including vineyard estates, wineries, irrigated row crops, avocado and citrus orchards, and cattle ranches. We also have experience with transitional ag and large land holdings.
What areas do you serve?
We provide appraisal services across California’s Central and North Coast regions, including Ventura, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Monterey, Napa, and Sonoma Counties.
How long does an appraisal take?
Turnaround time depends on the complexity of the property and ease of access, but most assignments are completed within three to six weeks from the date of engagement.
How much does an appraisal cost?
Fees vary based on property type, size, and location. We’re happy to provide a custom quote after a brief phone call or email consultation.
Are your appraisals USPAP compliant?
Yes. All of our reports comply with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) and are suitable for lender, legal, and tax-related use.
Can your appraisals be used for lending, IRS, or legal purposes?
Absolutely. We prepare appraisals for a wide range of intended uses, including bank lending, estate tax filings, gifting, partnership buyouts, and more. We tailor each report to meet the specific requirements of the client and intended user.
Do you work with attorneys, CPAs, and brokers?
Yes. We frequently work alongside legal, tax, and real estate professionals to support planning, transactions, and documentation that require reliable, well-supported valuations.
