Property Complexity

The uniqueness of your real estate compared to recent sales in the area. Desert properties with special features, unique architecture, or unusual locations may require additional analysis time.

Time Requirements

Factors such as travel distance within the Coachella Valley, document preparation time, and research requirements for comparable real estate in your specific market area.

Professional Liability

The level of responsibility and potential liability associated with your real estate appraisal. Higher-value properties or complex legal situations may require additional professional considerations.

Understanding the Key Differences

For many real estate appraisal needs, particularly those involving legal proceedings, estate planning, or tax purposes, the client already has intimate knowledge of the property condition and features. In these situations, a desktop real estate appraisal can provide the same level of analytical rigor and credibility as a full inspection appraisal.

Since 2020, and made permanent in 2022, major lending institutions have recognized the credibility and accuracy of desktop real estate appraisals, making them a standard option when adequate property data is available online.

What Remains Consistent

• Analytical Depth: Both approaches include the same comprehensive market research and analysis
• Report Quality: Final reports maintain identical professional standards and formatting
• Professional Credibility: Desktop real estate appraisals carry equal weight when proper property information is provided

Key Distinctions

• Property Inspection: Full appraisals include physical site visits, desktop appraisals rely on provided information
• Client Input: Desktop appraisals allow for client corrections if property details are misinterpreted
• Cost Efficiency: Desktop options provide significant savings while maintaining professional standards

Desktop Real Estate Appraisals Are Ideal For:

• Estate Planning: Date of Death valuations and Step Up Basis calculations
• Tax Purposes: Gift tax valuations and assessment appeals
• Divorce Proceedings: When real estate access is limited or restricted
• Bankruptcy Cases: Cost-effective option with attorney approval
• Trust Valuations: When physical access to real estate is not possible
• Second Opinions: Analysis of existing real estate appraisal reports

Full Inspection Real Estate Appraisals Recommended For:

• Family Transfers: Private party real estate sales and family transactions
• Unique Properties: Real estate with unusual features or conditions
• Disputed Valuations: When opposition might question methodology
• Complex Legal Cases: High-stakes litigation or court proceedings
• Investment Properties: Commercial or income-producing real estate
• Insurance Claims: Damage assessment and replacement cost analysis

Comprehensive & Desktop Real Estate Appraisals Include:

• Executive Summary of Findings
• Current Real Estate Market Conditions Analysis
• Detailed Property Description
• Comparable Real Estate Sales Analysis
• In-Depth Market Comparison
• Area Maps and Location Analysis
• Property Photographs (when available)
• Professional Disclosures
• Property History Research
• Site Sketch (when applicable)
• Client-Provided Data Review

Typical Length: 30-35 pages

Basic Desktop Real Estate Appraisals Include:

• Real Estate Valuation Summary
• Essential Property Details
• Comprehensive Property Description
• Market Comparison Analysis
• Focused Sales Analysis
• Standard Professional Disclosures
• Client Information Review

Typical Length: 20-25 pages

Perfect for straightforward real estate appraisals where comprehensive documentation is not required.

Estate & Trust Services

• Date of Death Real Estate Valuations
• Step Up Basis in Taxes
• Estate Real Estate Appraisals
• Trust Property Valuations
• Probate Court Real Estate Appraisals
• Inheritance Tax Valuations

Legal & Court Purposes

• Divorce Real Estate Division
• Bankruptcy Proceedings
• Legal Dispute Valuations
• Family Court Cases
• Expert Witness Testimony
• Litigation Support

Personal & Family

• Before Buying Real Estate
• Before Selling Real Estate
• Family Real Estate Transactions
• Second Opinion Appraisals
• Investment Analysis
• Insurance Claims