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We appraise houses, condominiums, and residential vacant land throughout San Diego County and our specialty is the preparation of appraisals for purposes not related to mortgages, such as date of death, bankruptcy, divorce, estates, before buying or selling a home, bonds, family based transactions, and more.
Our appraisals have been specially designed to be more easily understood and logical to non-real estate professionals, such as the courts, which is critically important for your success with the appraisal.
Please call us at (888) 844-1733 or use our online contact form ('Contact Us' link above) for a confidential, no pressure consultation on how we can help you with your property valuation need.
- We produce QUALITY real estate appraisal reports with detailed and descriptive analysis that is logical and able to endure scrutiny.
- Professional, friendly, and helpful service throughout our engagement - and direct communication with the appraiser.
- Competitive rates, flexible scheduling, and fast delivery throughout San Diego County.
- Your appraisal report will be completed by a licensed / certified real estate appraiser that has completed a MINIMUM of 3,000 appraisals. No trainees or other support staff will work on your appraisal.
- Our pledge that we will not accept your order if we do not think that we can produce a credible valuation to satisfy your need.
90%+ of all properties fall under this pricing structure. Rural, remote, complex, high-liability, and custom homes can carry higher fees.
- $420 - Standard Appraisal (FNMA 1004)
- $390 - Consumer Appraisal (FNMA 2055)
- $325 - Exterior / Drive-By (FNMA 2005)
- $325 - Desktop Appraisal (FNMA 2005)
- +$25+ - Living Area Measure (with appraisal)
- $100 - Living Area Measure (no appraisal)
- +$175 - 1 Day Rush Service
- $600 - 2-4 Unit Property
$395.00 - Standard Appraisal (w/sketch of gross area of improvements - $420)
A Standard Appraisal uses the same appraisal forms that a mortgage lender would order and includes an interior and exterior inspection of the property. The appraisal is the most comprehensive in its presentation and should be considered anytime there may be a dispute over value or when a third party that is accustomed to reviewing appraisals, such as the courts, may be involved due to their familiarity with it. A sketch of the gross area of the improvements (house, garage, etc.) is an additional $25. Without it, we rely on the legally permitted structures in our public record resources, or your declaration.
Applicable Property Types: Houses, Condominiums, Manufactured Homes, Vacant Land
Good For:
- Whenever a Dispute is Possible or When the Appraisal's Purposes Specifically Requires Standard Forms
- Bankruptcy
- Divorce / Marriage Dissolution
- Estate Appraisal Needs
- Date of Death Appraisal Needs
- Trusts
- Before Buying or Selling (a great tool for negotiating)
- Taxes (property and IRS)
- Bonds (such as bail bonds or surety bonds)
- Short Sale Negotiations
- Probate
- Family Based Transactions / Family Purchases / Family Sales
- Foreclosure Assistance
- Asset Management
- Insurance Disputes
- PMI Removal
- Many More
$390 - Consumer Appraisal
The Consumer Appraisal is very similar to the Standard Appraisal, but is designed to meet the needs of individuals that don't need a more detailed description of their property or neighborhood since they are already familiar with it. It includes the same interior and exterior inspection, analysis and its presentation, and resulting value as the Standard Appraisal. What is different is that it does not include as much description on the appraisal form regarding the neighborhood or of the property. For example, the Consumer Appraisal doesn't detail the ratios of land use in the neighborhood for houses, condominiums, schools, and parks, nor does it list what appliances or some other features and their condition that are present, such as window screens or rain gutters, although all features and property condition are included in the analysis and appraised value. Also, notable items like granite counter tops or travertine tile floors, or torn or new carpeting, are detailed in a written/summary format, and as many as 100 pictures are included, detailing the property features and condition visually. In a nutshell, the Standard Appraisal contains the description necessary for a lender to gain a good understanding of the property and the neighborhood, which they will never see in person, and the Consumer Appraisal assumes that the client of the appraisal is already familiar with the property and neighborhood (or it is not necessary for them to know), and a detailed description on the form is unnecessary. Like the Standard Appraisal, this appraisal type is also reported on a FNMA (Fannie Mae) form - typically the prior 2055 form, to be specific.
Applicable Property Types: Houses, Condominiums, Manufactured Homes
Good For:
- Whenever a Dispute is Unlikely
- Before Buying or Selling (when not expected to be used for negotiating)
- Divorce / Marriage Dissolution (in more amicable situations and possibly when ordering together)
- Estate Appraisal Needs
- Retrospective Appraisal Needs
- Date of Death Appraisal Needs
- Trusts
- Family Based Transactions / Family Purchases / Family Sales
- Situations such as Bankruptcy, Divorce, Taxes, etc. upon the guidance of your legal and/or financial adviser
- Asset Management
- Many More
$325 - Exterior Only / Drive-By Appraisal
An Exterior / Drive-By Appraisal is an appraisal where the extent of the appraiser's data for a property is based on an inspection from the exterior-front of the property and any other data available to the appraiser, such as public record, the local multiple listing service, or the client themselves. The appraisal is reported on the same form as the Consumer Appraisal since a first-hand detailed description of the property is not possible.
Applicable Property Types: Houses, Condominiums, Manufactured Homes
Good For:
- Situations when a highly reliable value is not necessary, when access to the property is not possible, or when the property may not currently representative of the property as of the effective date of the appraisal - which may be in the past.
- Before Buying or Selling (when not expected to be used for negotiating)
- Estate Appraisal Needs
- Date of Death Appraisal Needs
- Retrospective Appraisal Needs
- Bankruptcy (uncommon, usually Standard Appraisal)
- Family Based Transactions / Family Purchases / Family Sales
- Asset Management
- Situations such as Bankruptcy, Divorce, Taxes, etc. upon the guidance of your legal and/or financial advisers.
- Many More
$325 - Desktop Appraisal
A Desktop Appraisal is done from our office and we never view the property being appraised, the comparable properties, or the neighborhood personally. We do use a multitude of online resources and any descriptions you provide in our appraisal, and we have a broad understanding of the market areas we appraise in. In most cases, this appraisal type is as accurate as the Exterior / Drive-By Appraisal but it sometimes does not satisfy some third parties, such as the IRS.
Applicable Property Types: Houses, Condominiums, Manufactured Homes, Vacant Land
Good For:
- Situations when a highly reliable value is not necessary, when access to the property is not possible,when the property may not be currently representative of the property as of the effective date of the appraisal, and when you believe your description of the property is adequate for your purpose.
- Family Based Transactions / Family Purchases / Family Sales
Asset Management - Before Buying or Selling (when not expected to be used for negotiating)
- Bankruptcy (uncommon, usually Standard Appraisal)
- Situations such as Bankruptcy, Divorce, Taxes, etc. upon the guidance of your legal and/or financial advisers.
- Many More
+$175 - 1 Day Rush Service
This is a rush service we can provide if you are in a hurry. Our goal is to deliver a high quality, reliable and defensible appraisal report the same day we inspect it or to deliver it after typical business hours if an early morning inspection is not possible. We can only commit, however, to a 24 hour turnaround from the date/time of the completion of the inspection. Please understand that not all properties are eligible for this service and our existing commitments may limit our ability to provide the rush service to you. You must also disclose anything unusual or of a significant value influence at the property when ordering the rush service, such as damage, differing actual living area than public record, and views. We have never failed to meet our 24 hour commitment, but should we fail to deliver your appraisal within 24 hours, and the property is as expected when we inspect it (no previously undisclosed significant damage, for example), you have the option of canceling the appraisal completely and receiving a 100% refund or receiving a $200 refund and the appraisal report.
If we don't answer your call immediately, PLEASE leave a message. We give each client our full attention which sometimes limits our ability to answer. When we speak with you, we will extend the same courtesy to you. Thank you!
| Toll Free: | (888) 844-1733 |
| San Diego: | (619) 630-9273 |
| Riverside: | (951) 309-2131 |
| E-Mail: | contactus@brianward.com |
| Billing Address: | Brian Ward Appraisal 15877 Paseo Del Sur San Diego, CA 92127 |
Please complete the 'Getting Started Online Form' below as completely as possible and we will contact you once we have had time to review your need, the property you need help with, and the available market data. Thank you!
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Below are just some of the recommendations and reviews we have received from our customers.
Yahoo Local
The economy hit our family especially hard and we made the difficult decision to declare bankruptcy. Brian seemed to really know the ins and outs of bankruptcy appraisals so we picked him. Over the following months, the bank disputed the appraisal and submitted a BPO that stated our property was worth significantly more than his appraisal. Our attorney called Brian for a rebuttal and he prepared a 7 page response to the BPO and provided a ton of other evidence in support of his value and against the banks. In the end, the bank capitulated and our bankruptcy was allowed to move forward. I am sure they knew they would be utterly embarrassed in court. Brian performed admirably. If you are looking for someone to stand behind you during your bankruptcy, I really urge you to use Brian.
Link to this review (and others) on Yahoo Local
Brian Ward IS one of the best at appraisals in the San Diego area. He has helped me out with so many questions. He has by FAR the best customer service that I have seen in a long time. He is not only great at what he does, but he is honest, fair, and cheap! For his prices you are getting much much more than just an appraisal you are getting a one on one consultation on what goes into each appraisal. I have and will continue to highly recommend Brian to all of my friends and Family.
Link to the review on Yelp!
5-23-2013: Found Brian on the Internet. I just called him to measure sqft of a home tomorrow. He sounds very friendly. Will keep you guys updated. 6-2-2013: Brian came to my house for measurement. He used laser measurement tool and iPad to calculate the my house sqft. Friendly guy and good price.
Link to the review on Yelp!
Brian, the owner, personally came out and did a very thorough and fair, I believe, appraisal on my University City residence. He was very professional and had the appraisal done for the $299 flat fee as advertised and completed the report in three business days !!! I would definitely use him again!!!
Frank Salerno
University City
Link to the review on Yelp!
I found Brian here on Yelp and filled out a request for information on his web site. He responded immediately and was very quick and flexible in scheduling an appointment. His inspection of the property was thorough and the resulting report he provided was clear, concise, and (I feel) accurate. I would definitely recommend him to anyone needing a residential real estate appraisal.
Link to the Review on Yelp!
Brian was prompt and professional and the appraisal report was easy to follow and accurate. I highly recommend Brian and his company.
Link to the review on Yelp!
I contacted Brian based on positive reviews others had written about his company. I needed an appraisal very quickly. Or so I thought. Brian was kind enough to spend a fair amount of his time looking into my situation and determined that getting a new appraisal would not actually benefit me. I should also mention that because I thought there was a great hurry, he offered go by my house on the weekend if I decided to get the appraisal. I decided against it but if and when I need one in the future, I'll be calling Brian.
I was very satisfied working the appraisal services that Brian provided. Very easy to do work with and I highly recommend doing business with Brian Ward.
I am so relieved! I joined Yelp just so that I can give Brian rave reviews! As executor of my mothers estate, I had to have her home here in San Diego appraised. I have never ordered an appraisal before and it seemed like a daunting task. After calling a couple of appraisers I came across Brian here on Yelp. He was the most willing to spend time with me to help me wade through my options and also suggested a lower priced option which saved the estate anywhere from $50 to $150 compared with his competition. I don't have much experience with appraisals but the accountant seems very pleased with the report. I can whole-heartedly recommend Brian and his appraisals!
I just received the appraisal I ordered from Brian Ward and I felt compelled to write a review. Brian Ward professional, courteous, and I am very happy with the appraisal I received. The appraisal is thorough and makes sense so I am confident that it will suit my need. I can't say enough about how my expectations have been exceeded!
I recently bought a house in Pacific Beach but wanted an unbiased opinion before putting an offer on it. I called around and Brian was the most informative and helpful appraiser I spoke with and he confirmed with me that an appraisal before offering to purchase is smart because once an offer is made, it becomes an indicator of the property's value and can skew an appraisal. I paid $299 for a full appraisal and used it to negotiate a lower sales price. I have bought several properties in the past and I consider Brian's appraisal to be the best I have had. It was clear and left little room for argument which was important when negotiating with the seller and their agent. I can't say how much it saved me for sure, but it potentially saved me up to $40,000. I strongly suggest that anyone buying a property get an appraisal before purchasing and that they should use Brian as well.
My father passed and I needed an appraiser for the San Diego area. I looked online and came across Brian and gave him a call. I am so glad I did. I was really concerned about being taken advantage of but Brian turned out to be old-fashioned service oriented and delivered good appraisals on time. Brian is a testament to appraisers everywhere and I encourage everyone to consider him if they need an appraisal.
Yahoo Local
I ordered an appraisal from Brian Ward Appraisal and couldn't’t be more satisfied. The appraisal makes sense and they did everything they said they would do and when they said they would do it. I can definitely recommend them.
Link to this review (and others) on Yahoo Local
Thank you for considering our
Date of Death Appraisal Service
Date of Death Appraisals, also known as retrospective appraisals, are a significant portion of our business. Every week we meet with families who have recently lost loved ones and who need to have appraisals completed to settle their estates, establish future tax bases, and a myriad of other benefits.
Through our vast experience in preparing these appraisal types, we have learned how to prepare appraisals that satisfy IRS requirements at the lowest fees, while not sacrificing the credibility of our appraisals and our clients' ability to reliably and confidently interpret the analysis for their estate planning.
What is the difference between a Date of Death Appraisal and a common mortgage lender appraisal?
In an appraisal for a mortgage, the effective date of the appraisal is the same as the date of the inspection, which is essentially the current date. In a Date of Death Appraisal, the effective date will be some other date in the past, usually on the date when a person has passed away, or sometimes within 6 months of that date. We regularly prepare Date of Death Appraisals with effective dates as little as 1 month in the past, to more than 30 years in the past.
What makes our Date of Death Appraisal service stand apart?
Our extensive experience in preparing these appraisal types has led us to not only prepare the most comprehensive appraisals at competitive pricing, it has also helped us to recognize and interpret historical market data in a way that is unavailable for mortgage appraisals, and most appraisers tend to not consider because they are more accustomed to preparing appraisals for mortgages. This, combined with our stringent appraisal standards, results in the most reliable appraisals available.
How much does a Date of Death Appraisal cost?
We do not charge differently for Date of Death Appraisals and our standard appraisal fees apply. Our 'Consumer Appraisal' is most commonly ordered appraisal service for Date of Death Appraisals, but our 'Standard Appraisal' and 'Drive-By' appraisals are also common. Desktop appraisals do not satisfy IRS requirements, except in the appraisal of vacant land.
Who else may need a retrospective appraisal?
We have prepared appraisals with effective dates in the past for bankruptcy, litigation, divorce / marriage dissolution, and a host of other reasons. While the transferring of an estate is the most common reason for ordering retrospective appraisals, the same principals used for Date of Death Appraisals can be applied to any other historical home or condominium appraisal need.
We are happy to answer any and all questions to assist you in deciding on the best service for your situation, so please complete our online Contact Request Form, email us at brian@brianward.com, or give us a call at
(888) 844-1733 for a free no-pressure consultation.
Thank you for your consideration. We look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,Thank you for considering our
Divorce and Marriage Dissolution
Real Estate Appraisal Service
Divorce Appraisals, also known as Marriage Dissolution appraisals, are a significant part of our business. It would not be an overstatement to say we prepare more appraisals for divorce than most, if not all, appraisers in the area.
- Diligent research and analysis, thoughtfully and clearly presented in appraisals that are trustworthy and credible.
- Sensitivity to the marriage dissolution process.
- Stringent adherence to confidentially.
- Ongoing support of the appraisal after delivery, and post appraisal needs, such as court testimony and consultation.
What is the difference between an appraisal for a divorce and an appraisal for a mortgage?
Sometimes there is very little difference, and other times they can be very different.
Mortgage lenders often put restrictions and requirements on the appraiser with their goal being first to ensure the sale of the loan they are funding in the secondary mortgage market, and appraisal accuracy being of secondary importance. An example includes limits on net and gross adjustments to the comparable sales. In theory, the most similar comparable sales should be considered and lower net and gross adjustments will naturally result. In practice, most appraisers apply minimal adjustments to make satisfying the parameters easy, and instead they leave a broad range of adjusted comparable sale prices, and, indefensibly, select a value that lies within that range as the appraised value. In court we have been able to show how this commonly applied appraisal technique is less credible than our diligently and painstakingly developed adjustments.
There are many such examples, and appraisers who have not specialized in divorce appraisals, as we have, often are so ingrained in common mortgage industry limitations that they do not produce the most credible appraisals in divorce situations.
Divorce appraisals also sometimes have special requirements uncommon of appraisals for mortgages. A good example includes backdated appraisals, also called retrospective appraisals. We have produced more than a thousand of these appraisals, with effective dates as many as 28 years in the past.
How much does a Divorce Appraisal cost?
We do not charge differently for Divorce Appraisals and our typical appraisal fees apply. Our Standard Appraisal is the most commonly ordered for divorce, which is $349 for most properties, but some client's find the Consumer Appraisal to be adequate, which is $299. However, we do not suggest the Consumer Appraisal, except in the most amicable of marriage dissolutions.
We are happy to answer any and all questions to assist you in deciding on the best service for your situation, so please complete our online Contact Request Form, email us at brian@brianward.com, or give us a call at
(888) 844-1733 for a free no-pressure consultation.
Thank you for your consideration. We look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,$50 Off Standard Appraisal or $25 Off Consumer Appraisal
for Bankruptcy Appraisal Orders of Common Suburban Properties Only. You must mention coupon code BANK50 when ordering to take advantage of this special.
Thank you for considering our
Bankruptcy Appraisal Service
Bankruptcy is about getting a fresh start and regaining control of your financial future, and one of the steps along the way may be to establish the value of your home for the bankruptcy courts. But it can be incredibly difficult to find the RIGHT bankruptcy appraiser. Will the appraiser REALLY take the time necessary to analyze the market trends and accurately apply them to the most current and similar properties? Will they consider all of the comparable property features, quality, view, and condition? And will they provide enough information and detail so that the bankruptcy court can understand their analysis for the best chance of a favorable outcome?
Our pledge with every bankruptcy appraisal report is to emphatically answer yes to all these questions AND to be helpful, friendly, and available during this difficult time for my clients – before AND after the appraisal is delivered.
We are happy to answer any and all questions to assist you in deciding on the best service for your situation, so please complete our online Contact Request Form, email us at brian@brianward.com, or give us a call at (888) 844-1733 for a free no-pressure consultation.
Thank you for your consideration. We look forward to hearing from you.
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