Casualty Loss Appraisals

What this service involves

A casualty loss appraisal typically values the residential property before the damaging event and/or after it, so the difference (along with other factors) can support a loss calculation. The deliverable depends on the agreed scope and the purpose — tax documentation, insurance support, or legal matters. The appraiser's role is to value the real estate; repair estimating, coverage decisions, and claims negotiation are handled by others.

This is distinct from a repair estimate, which a contractor or adjuster prepares. We do not opine on the cost to repair; we opine on the property's value before and after the event.

When someone may need it

An owner may need a casualty loss appraisal to document a tax-deductible casualty loss, to support an insurance claim, or for litigation following damage. The valuation date(s) — before the event, after the event, or both — depend on the purpose and the governing rules.

What the analysis considers

The appraisal considers the residential property's value at the relevant date(s):

• Before-event value: the property's value immediately before the damaging event.
• After-event value: the property's value immediately after, reflecting the damage.
• Property characteristics: type, size, layout, and condition at each valuation date.
• Comparable sales: sales near each valuation date, for a retrospective before/after analysis.
• Intended use: tax documentation, insurance support, or litigation.

Information that may help

Helpful items include the property address, the date and nature of the damaging event, photographs from before and after, and the intended use (tax, insurance, legal). Historical photos and any prior appraisals strengthen a retrospective before-value. Share claim documents directly with your appraiser rather than through the general inquiry form.

How the assignment works

We confirm the scope and valuation date(s), inspect the property in its current (post-event) condition, research historical data for any before-event value, complete the analysis, and deliver the report. We do not estimate repair costs or determine the insurable loss; we provide the real estate valuations that support that work.