Real Estate Tax Assessment Appeal Services  

Our firm provides well-supported opinions of market value for use in real estate tax assessment appeals throughout Pennsylvania. Our appraisal staff consists of five Certified General Appraisers and two Certified Residential Appraisers, each with substantial experience in valuation assignments prepared specifically for assessment appeal matters. 

All members of our appraisal team have experience testifying before local assessment appeal boards and other quasi-judicial bodies, and several of our appraisers have provided expert testimony at the Court of Common Pleas level. Collectively, our appraisers bring many decades of experience developing credible, defensible opinions of market value for complex and contested properties. Richard Drzewiecki is a Certified Pennsylvania Evaluator, which is a designation specific to real estate tax assessment in Pennsylvania. Mr. Drzewiecki has taught numerous assessment courses at the state level for assessment continuing education and certification.  

We predominantly work at the direction of attorneys involved in tax assessment appeals. These attorneys represent a broad range of clients, including municipalities, school districts, counties, and individual taxpayers. We consider it important not to work exclusively on only one side of these matters; our experience representing both taxing authorities and taxpayers helps us maintain an objective, unbiased perspective in each assignment. We only serve as advocates for our unbiased opinion of value.  

Our valuation process emphasizes thorough property inspection, careful data verification, and sound analytical judgment. Depending on the nature of the property and available data, we develop and reconcile the Sales Comparison Approach, Income Capitalization Approach, and Cost Approach to value. Each opinion of value is supported by relevant market data and analysis commensurate with the assignment, scope of work, and intended use. 

We take our professional responsibilities seriously and make every effort to ensure that the appraisal reports we prepare are accurate, complete, clearly explained, and delivered in a timely manner. Engagements are accepted on a case-by-case basis, with fees reflecting the scope of work, complexity of the property, data requirements, and the level of professional expertise necessary to produce a credible result. 

The engagement process is straightforward. Prospective clients are encouraged to contact one of our appraisers to discuss the property and circumstances of the appeal. Based on that discussion, we will provide a verbal or written proposal outlining the scope of services, estimated fee, and anticipated timeframe for completion. 

In addition to appraisal assignments, we also provide appraisal review services for valuation reports prepared for tax assessment appeals when an independent, professional critique is required. 

Important Professional Disclaimer 

Our role in tax assessment appeal matters is strictly limited to the provision of independent real estate appraisal and appraisal review services. We do not provide legal advice, legal representation, or guidance regarding the legality of an assessment, the appeal process, procedural requirements, filing deadlines, or other matters of a legal nature. Clients and property owners are encouraged to consult with qualified legal counsel regarding all legal aspects of assessment appeals. 

It is our professional opinion that thoroughly understanding the scope of the assignment at the outset leads to developing a credible and well-supported valuation which often reduces uncertainty, saves time, and minimizes the risk of unnecessary litigation as the appeal process moves forward.