Divorce appraisals that both sides can trust.
When a home has to be divided, the number matters. Dawna Dees provides independent, unbiased residential appraisals for divorce and legal separation in Bakersfield and across Kern County, valued as of today or as of your date of separation.
Common reasons people call
- One spouse is keeping the house and buying out the other
- Settlement talks or mediation need a number everyone accepts
- The court needs a value for the family home
- Rentals or a second home are part of the property division
- You disagree with a value someone else provided
Your appraisal includes
- An independent opinion of market value
- The effective date you need: today, the date of separation, or another date your attorney specifies
- Comparable sales, adjustments, photos, and a floor plan sketch
- A signed report prepared to USPAP standards
- Straight answers to your attorney's or mediator's questions
Why an independent appraisal matters in a divorce
California is a community property state, so the family home's value often sits at the center of the settlement. A few percent either way can mean tens of thousands of dollars to one spouse or the other.
Online estimates and agent price opinions are not appraisals. An appraisal from a licensed, independent appraiser gives both sides, and the court, a value built on real comparable sales and a documented inspection. Dawna is paid the same no matter what the number is, so she has no reason to lean either way.
Questions people ask.
Every situation is a little different. If yours isn't covered here, call Dawna.
Can just one spouse order the appraisal?
Yes. Either spouse, both spouses together, or either attorney can order it. The appraisal is independent no matter who pays for it.
Do we both need to be there for the inspection?
No. Dawna only needs someone to give access to the home. She stays neutral and will not discuss the value during the visit.
Can you appraise the home as of our date of separation?
Yes. This is called a retrospective appraisal. Dawna uses sales from around that date, not today's market, to value the home as it was then.
What if my spouse won't let the appraiser inside?
Call Dawna to talk through options. Depending on the situation and what your attorney will accept, an exterior-only appraisal may be possible.
Will you testify in court?
Court testimony and depositions may be available. Ask when you call; they are scheduled and quoted separately from the report.
Let's get you a value you can rely on.
Tell Dawna what you need.
Fill this out and it opens a ready-to-send text to Dawna. You'll hear back with a price and the soonest inspection date. Rather talk it through? Just call.