Appraisals for estates, divorces and tax appeals

Attorneys, executors, trustees, divorcing couples, accountants and homeowners disputing an assessment.

A fee per report, often higher than standard lender work because the reports take more time and may involve a retrospective value or expert follow-up. Referrals from attorneys and accountants can bring repeat work.

• Report writing that holds up to scrutiny
• Professional, discreet communication
• Research on local sales and markets
• Patience with sensitive situations

• You generally need a state appraiser license or certification, and rules differ by state, so check with your state board
• Reports used in court or tax appeals may mean testifying, which takes extra time and should be priced in
• Carry errors and omissions insurance, and check whether your policy covers non-lender work
• Be clear about the intended use of each report, because using it for another purpose can cause disputes
• Work can be uneven, so don't count on a steady flow of referrals at first

Startup costs are typically around $1,500 to $7,000, depending on your setup and insurance choices. These are estimates, not quotes. Check whether your errors and omissions policy covers non-lender work before you build your budget.

Monthly revenue is typically around $800 to $4,000, depending on how many referrals you win and how much time you put in. Work can be uneven, so don't count on a steady flow of referrals at first.

You generally need a state appraiser license or certification, and rules differ by state, so check with your state board. Also check whether your insurance covers non-lender work, and whether court or tax appeal reports may involve testifying.