What do you need from me on the first call?

The property address or parcel number, the effective date the value has to reflect, who will rely on the report, and who can provide access. With those four things the scope of work can be discussed properly.

Why are no prices or turnaround times listed on this site?

Both depend on the scope of the assignment, the property, and current availability. A number published in advance would be a guess. They are confirmed on the call before anything is scheduled.

Is the county assessment value the same as an appraisal?

No. County records describe a parcel for tax administration purposes. They are useful for confirming characteristics such as living area and year built, but they are not an independent opinion of market value for a specific date and intended use.

Can the value be for a date in the past?

Yes — that is a retrospective assignment, common in estate, probate and date-of-death work. It relies on property records and market evidence from around that date, plus documentation of the property's condition at the time.

Illustrative Birmingham-area brick home under mature leafy trees

Birmingham, Alabama

Home appraisals in Birmingham, Alabama

Independent written opinions of value for Birmingham homes — for estates, probate inventories, divorce matters, date-of-death filings and ordinary residential decisions. Every assignment begins with a phone conversation about the property, the effective date and who will rely on the report.

Call (205) 732-7383 See appraisal services

Focus: Residential real property in Birmingham
Anchored to: One stated effective date per assignment
How to start: A phone call — no forms on this site

Services

Six situations that call for an appraisal

Estate Appraisals

A written opinion of value for an inherited Birmingham home, tied to the effective date the estate needs and the condition of the property on that date.

Probate Appraisals

Documented real property value for an estate inventory, with the reasoning and data written down rather than summarized in a single number.

Divorce Appraisals

An independent opinion of value on an agreed valuation date, so both households are working from the same documented figure.

IRS Step-Up & Date-of-Death Appraisals

A retrospective value opinion for a past date, built from property records and historical market evidence — not tax advice.

Residential Appraisals

A value opinion for a single-family home or condo, scoped around the actual decision you are making and who will rely on it.

Rush Appraisals

For time-sensitive assignments. Availability, property access and scope are confirmed on the call — no turnaround is promised in advance.

Scope and process

What an appraisal assignment actually involves

An appraisal is not a single number pulled from a website. It is an opinion of value developed for one property, one effective date and one stated use, supported by property records, an inspection and market evidence, with every assumption written down so a reader can follow the reasoning.

That is why the first conversation matters. Before scope, timing or fees can be discussed, the property, the date and the intended user have to be clear.

Scope discussion
A phone call establishes the property, the effective date, the intended use and who will rely on the report.
Records review
Recorded parcel characteristics are checked against what you know about the home.
Inspection
The property is viewed and photographed, with condition documented.
Analysis
Comparable market evidence relevant to the effective date is analyzed and adjusted.
Written report
You receive the opinion of value with its date, data, assumptions and limiting conditions.

Preparation guide

Property records and appraisal preparation

Most delays come from missing information, not from the analysis. The preparation guide walks through identifying your parcel, comparing recorded characteristics with your own records, gathering prior photos and renovation details, settling the intended user and effective date, arranging access, and writing down the questions you want answered.

Read the preparation guide

Identify the parcel before anything else
Compare recorded characteristics with your own records
Collect prior photos and renovation information
Settle the intended user and effective date
Arrange practical property access

Questions

Common questions before the first call

What do you need from me on the first call?: The property address or parcel number, the effective date the value has to reflect, who will rely on the report, and who can provide access. With those four things the scope of work can be discussed properly.
Why are no prices or turnaround times listed on this site?: Both depend on the scope of the assignment, the property, and current availability. A number published in advance would be a guess. They are confirmed on the call before anything is scheduled.
Is the county assessment value the same as an appraisal?: No. County records describe a parcel for tax administration purposes. They are useful for confirming characteristics such as living area and year built, but they are not an independent opinion of market value for a specific date and intended use.
Can the value be for a date in the past?: Yes — that is a retrospective assignment, common in estate, probate and date-of-death work. It relies on property records and market evidence from around that date, plus documentation of the property's condition at the time.

Call about a Birmingham property

Describe the home, the date the value has to reflect and who will use the report. Scope and current availability are confirmed on the call.

(205) 732-7383