Appraisal Services
Appraisals for Private Sales and Cash Purchases
Not every sale runs through the open market. Family members sell to one another, neighbors buy adjoining property, tenants purchase from landlords, and cash buyers close without a lender — which means no lender-ordered appraisal and no independent check on price.
In these transactions an independent appraisal protects both sides. It gives buyer and seller a neutral, documented basis for the price, helps avoid gift-tax complications in family transfers, and creates a record that holds up if the transaction is ever questioned.
Who commonly needs this
- Family members transferring property to one another
- Cash buyers who want assurance before waiving financing
- Investors buying or selling off-market
- Neighbors purchasing adjacent lots or homes
- Attorneys and CPAs advising on related-party transfers
When an appraisal helps
- A sale between related parties needs a documented arm's-length value
- You're buying with cash and there will be no lender appraisal
- An off-market offer arrived and you don't know if it's fair
- A transfer price needs support for tax purposes
- Partners are buying each other out of a jointly owned property
Charleston-area experience
Off-market activity is common in the Charleston area — investor purchases in North Charleston and West Ashley, family transfers of long-held property on James and Johns Islands, and cash purchases across the price spectrum. We regularly provide the independent value these transactions otherwise lack.
Frequently asked questions
We've already agreed on a price. Does that affect the appraisal?
No. The appraisal is developed independently of any agreed price. That independence is exactly what makes it useful to both parties and credible to third parties like the IRS.
Is an appraisal really necessary for a family sale?
It's often strongly advisable. Transfers between family members at below-market prices can create gift-tax consequences, and a documented appraisal establishes the market value the transfer can be measured against. Your CPA or attorney can confirm what your situation requires.
Related services
Estate & Date-of-Death Appraisals
Retrospective and current-value reporting for estate settlement, probate and inheritance planning, prepared to the standards attorneys and the IRS expect.
Pre-Listing Appraisals
An independent opinion of market value before you list, so pricing decisions rest on data rather than guesswork.
Retrospective Appraisals
Supported opinions of value as of a past date — for estate matters, tax questions, insurance claims and other look-back situations.
Need an Independent Opinion of Value?
Tell us about the property and the intended use of the appraisal. We will review the assignment and contact you with availability, pricing and next steps.