My lawyer, lender, accountant or agent said I need an appraisal. What exactly should I order?
The purpose and effective date determine the correct assignment. A current PMI appraisal is different from a retrospective date-of-death appraisal. A divorce matter may require current value, a prior date or both. Before accepting the work, Mike confirms the intended use, intended users, property type and required date so the report answers the question you were actually given.
34 Years of Experience | 15,000+ Completed Appraisals | Certified in VA, DC and MD | Direct Appraiser Communication
Arlington is geographically compact, but its condominium corridors, older detached-home neighborhoods, renovated properties and new construction do not compete as one market.
Condominium Buildings
Building reputation, fees, parking, unit level, exposure, view, amenities and special assessments can outweigh simple geographic proximity.
Metro Corridor Differences
Rosslyn-Ballston condominiums and townhouses may attract a different buyer pool from similar-sized properties away from a station.
Older Homes and Additions
Rear additions, upper-level expansions and finished lower levels require analysis of design, workmanship, layout and public-record consistency.
Small Lots and Parking
Lot utility, alley access, driveway or garage availability and on-street parking can materially affect buyer response.
Infill and Redevelopment
An older home may compete with renovated resales, new construction or teardown purchases. Land and improvements must be analyzed carefully.
Road and Location Influence
Traffic, proximity to commercial uses, school boundaries, parks and neighborhood walkability may separate otherwise similar sales.
A geographically close sale is not automatically the best comparable. For a condominium, the strongest evidence may come from the same building or a closely competing building. For a detached home, property condition, lot utility, addition quality and redevelopment influence can matter more than distance alone.
The intended use and effective date control the appraisal scope. The client receives an independent opinion of value and supporting analysis. The attorney, accountant, court, servicer or property owner makes the decision that follows.
Related appraisal reading: working with VA-loan appraisers in Northern Virginia.
Arlington Date of Death
Retrospective fair market value for an Arlington estate, executor, attorney or tax professional.
Arlington Divorce Appraisals
Independent current or prior-date valuation for marital property decisions and attorney review.
PMI Removal
Current-value support when the mortgage servicer permits an appraisal as part of its cancellation process.
Pre-Listing and Cash Buyer
Independent market evidence before setting a price, accepting an offer or purchasing without lender valuation.
Property Tax Appeals
Property-specific market evidence when an owner questions a government assessment.
Renovation and Fix-and-Flip
As-is and prospective as-repaired value based on a defined renovation scope.
1. Define the Assignment
Tell Mike Giampa who requested the appraisal, why it is needed, the property address and whether the value must be current or retrospective.
2. Inspect and Analyze
Mike confirms the scope and fee, inspects when required, researches the relevant local market and analyzes appropriate comparable evidence.
3. Receive the Report
Most reports are completed within 5 to 7 days after the property inspection. Mike remains available for reasonable questions about the completed appraisal.
What type of Arlington appraisal do I need?
Tell Mike who requested the appraisal, why it is needed and whether the value must be current or retrospective. He will identify the appropriate scope before you order.
What matters when appraising an Arlington condominium?
The analysis may consider building, fees, parking, unit level, view, condition, amenities, special assessments and competing sales. Square footage alone is not enough.
Can you appraise an Arlington property as of a prior date?
Yes. Retrospective work can address a date of death, separation date, transfer date or another required historical date.
Is the Arlington County assessment the same as an appraisal?
No. A county assessment is produced for taxation. A private appraisal is developed for an identified client, intended use, effective date and property-specific scope.
How long does an Arlington appraisal take?
Most reports are completed within 5 to 7 days after the property inspection. Mention any legal, tax or filing deadline when you call.
Explain who requested the appraisal and what decision it must support. Mike will confirm the appropriate service, effective date, fee and next step before work begins.
Call 703-350-2542 or text Mike.
Mike Giampa is a Certified Residential Real Estate Appraiser in Virginia, Washington, DC and Maryland with 34 years of experience and more than 15,000 completed appraisals.
