Someone told me I need an appraisal. Where do I start?
Start with the purpose, not a form. Tell Mike whether an attorney, accountant, executor, trustee, lender, buyer or real estate professional requested the appraisal and what decision it must support. That determines whether the assignment needs a current value, a retrospective date or an as-is and prospective as-repaired analysis.
34 Years of Experience | 15,000+ Completed Appraisals | Certified in VA, DC and MD | Direct Appraiser Communication
McLean properties in ZIP codes 22101 and 22102 include condominiums, older expanded homes, new construction and large-lot estates. These property types can compete for different buyers and require property-specific comparable sales.
Infill and Teardown Influence
Older homes may compete with renovated properties, new construction or land purchases. Improvements and land must be analyzed without assuming the highest nearby sale is the best comparable.
Construction Quality
Custom construction varies widely. Design, materials, workmanship, layout and effective age require property-specific analysis.
Above-Grade Versus Basement
Recorded living area, additions and finished lower levels can create major comparison errors when all finished space is treated the same.
Lot Utility and Privacy
Topography, easements, traffic, access, privacy and development potential can affect buyer response beyond gross acreage.
Renovations and Additions
A major addition or rebuild must be evaluated for quality, functional integration and market contribution. Project cost is not a value conclusion.
Specialized Improvements
Pools, elevators, guest quarters and accessory structures can matter, but their contribution depends on the property and competing market evidence.
Mike's McLean work includes complex land and large-lot assignments where floodplain, Resource Protection Areas, septic information, access and the realistic building envelope matter. An appraisal does not replace engineering, zoning, title or environmental specialists, but it should not ignore property constraints that influence buyers.
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 guides: how I choose comparable sales and finished basements and reported square footage.
Estate and Date of Death
Current or retrospective value for executors, heirs, trustees, attorneys and tax professionals.
Divorce Appraisals
Independent current or prior-date valuation for property division, mediation 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.
How much does a McLean residential appraisal cost?
A standard estate or date-of-death appraisal starts at $595, and a standard divorce appraisal is $895. Unusual construction, acreage, multiple improvements or a difficult retrospective date may require a different fee, confirmed in advance.
Can you appraise a newly built or extensively renovated home?
Yes. Plans, specifications, permits and an itemized scope can be useful. The appraisal analyzes actual quality, design, site and market evidence rather than assuming construction cost equals market value.
Why can automated estimates miss McLean values?
Algorithms may not adequately capture micro-location, road influence, construction quality, renovation history, lot utility or the distinction between above-grade and basement space.
Can you determine a value from years ago?
Yes. A retrospective appraisal develops value as of the required historical date using property information and market evidence relevant to that date.
Is an appraisal also a home inspection or zoning study?
No. An appraisal develops an opinion of value. It is not a structural inspection, survey, environmental assessment, title search or legal determination of development rights.
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.
