My attorney, accountant, lender or real estate agent said I need an appraisal. What do I order?
Start with the decision the appraisal must support. An executor may need value as of a date of death, a divorce may require current or prior-date value, and a homeowner may need evidence for a tax appeal, PMI request or difficult pricing decision. Tell Mike who will use the report, the required date, property type and deadline. He will define the correct scope without expecting you to know appraisal terminology.
34 Years of Experience | 15,000+ Completed Appraisals | Certified in VA, DC and MD | Direct Appraiser Communication
Loudoun's urban, suburban, transition and rural areas contain different property patterns, utilities and buyer expectations. A comparable that works in Ashburn may be inappropriate for acreage outside Purcellville or Middleburg.
Ashburn and Sterling
Condominiums, townhouses, age-restricted communities, detached homes and established subdivisions require property-type and neighborhood-specific sales.
Leesburg Markets
Historic homes, older in-town properties, infill construction and newer planned communities can share a mailing address while competing differently.
Rural and Western Loudoun
Acreage, wells, septic systems, outbuildings, equestrian improvements, easements and usable land can drive comparable selection.
New Construction
Builder incentives, lot premiums and upgrade packages should be separated from ordinary resale evidence.
HOA and Amenity Differences
Fees, recreation amenities, garage configuration, finished levels and lot position can influence buyer decisions.
Sparse Comparable Sales
Rural properties may require an expanded search. The report must explain why a farther sale competes and how differences were handled.
A credible Loudoun appraisal recognizes the transition from dense suburban communities to rural land and custom properties. It does not apply one countywide price trend or force a nearby sale from the wrong buyer market.
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 guide: home improvements and their contribution to property value.
Loudoun Date of Death
Retrospective fair market value for an executor, heir, attorney or tax professional handling Loudoun real property.
Divorce Appraisals
Independent current or prior-date valuation for equitable distribution, mediation and attorney review.
Property Tax Appeals
Property-specific market evidence when an owner questions Loudoun County's assessed value.
PMI Removal
Current-value support when the mortgage servicer permits an appraisal in its cancellation process.
Pre-Listing and Cash Buyer
Independent evidence before pricing, accepting an offer or buying without lender valuation.
Disability Modifications
Before-and-after value analysis when a CPA or attorney requests support for medically necessary improvements.
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.
Do you serve all of Loudoun County?
Yes. Coverage includes Ashburn, Leesburg, Sterling, South Riding, Aldie, Brambleton, Purcellville, Hamilton, Round Hill, Lovettsville, Middleburg and surrounding communities.
Can you appraise rural acreage with a well and septic system?
Yes. The analysis can consider usable acreage, utilities, outbuildings, easements or restrictions and the best available competing sales.
Is the county assessment the same as a private appraisal?
No. The county uses mass-appraisal methods for taxation. A private appraisal analyzes the specific property for an identified client, intended use and effective date.
Can you complete a retrospective appraisal?
Yes. Date-of-death, divorce and other private assignments may require value as of a prior date using the market evidence relevant to that date.
How long does the appraisal take?
Most reports are completed within 5 to 7 days after inspection. Call before ordering when an attorney, appeal or contract deadline applies.
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.
