Menu
CB Real Estate Real Estate Appraisal

The good, the bad, and the ugly - discover what customers are saying about Real Estate Appraisal

Welcome to our customer reviews and complaints page for Real Estate Appraisal. We understand that making informed decisions about where to invest your time and money can be challenging, which is why we've created this platform for our community to share their honest feedback about their experiences with Real Estate Appraisal.

On this page, you'll find a comprehensive collection of reviews and complaints from real customers who have used Real Estate Appraisal's products or services. Our reviews are authentic and unbiased, providing you with a complete picture of the company, its products or services, and their customer service.

Whether you're considering doing business with Real Estate Appraisal, or you've already had an experience with them, our community's reviews and complaints will give you a valuable perspective on what to expect. Our goal is to help you make informed decisions about where to invest your time and money, and we hope that our platform will be a valuable resource for you.

Please feel free to browse our reviews and complaints and share your own experience with Real Estate Appraisal. Your feedback is an important part of our community and will help others make informed decisions.

ComplaintsBoard
C
11:10 pm EST
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more
Featured review
This review was chosen algorithmically as the most valued customer feedback.

Poor appraisal quality, no knowledge of high end new construction or any construction in the city of Seattle. Peter Jancola took 3 weeks to even contact me despite the whole process estimated to take 2 weeks, and then the appraiser missed a couple dates he told me he would have it done and to my bank. 25 year old guy too inexperienced and probably busy...

Read full review of Real Estate Appraisal and 1 comment
ComplaintsBoard
C
10:50 pm EST
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Real Estate Appraisal Andrew N. Kesterson

Extremely poor appraisal quality, missed applying basement Fannie Mae guidelines correctly, no knowledge of high end new construction or any construction in the city of Seattle. Andrew Kesterson assumed building grade lower than spec home quality construction that no one can even do around in the city, maybe out where he's from. They were off by 45% from actual construction costs and I verified that by ordering another accurate and competent appraisal. Yet they wouldn't reconsider any of my detailed comp and numerous technical errors that I raised. Of course not, they are always right. Appraisers as an industry are the worse, for years they matched the sales prices of booming real estate without any honest analysis, and now the pendulum has swung to the opposite, still no analysis, but pick the lowest value within 10 miles and fill in the computer program. In my opinion, I recommend anyone AVOID these guys and AVOID BECU for construction loans. Get someone from the actual city of Seattle.

Read full review of Real Estate Appraisal and 6 comments
Hide full review
6 comments
Add a comment
A
A
Annie McSheery-Bood
, US
Apr 30, 2016 9:26 am EDT

I firmly believe complaintents reasonings associated with building and costs basis. I believe the loan industry is responsible for creating the unnecessary real estate appraiser requirements.

We have 20 years in the building and construction industry. The required appraisal for lenders is a scam!

R
R
RE-Economics
Tacoma, US
Sep 27, 2011 4:12 am EDT

I have explained and defended my work against your unjustified attacks on my professionalism. I am asking you to remove ALL posts against my me and my firm. I have been advised to attempt to resolve this without taking any further action. Be assured, I am prepared to file a lawsuit for libel. Please remove these unjustified posts against me. I have already been successful having your BBB complaint removed. Again, this is defamation and I ask that ALL post be removed.

Andrew N. Kesterson

S
S
SDRACDER
Louisville, US
Feb 26, 2011 9:58 pm EST

I have read the complaint and the response. The appraiser seemed to form opinion of value based on facts, unlike the complaintent which seemed to attack the entire appraisal industry without any facts. It is obvious that the complaintent is just mad that the value did not come in where they were hoping. The complaintent should be grateful that they avoided making a huge mistake by building a first floor below grade. I sure would like to get a look at that so called "competent" appraisal report that the complaintent had done after, or better yet the state appraisers board should look at the both reports. My bet is Mr. Kesterson's report is a more thorough report.

S
S
Skatenwaker21
, US
Feb 22, 2020 12:17 am EST
Replying to comment of SDRACDER

What are you? Andrew's buddy? An incompetent appraiser is an incompetent appraiser. Get over it. I mean, look at his grammar on his post below. Remove all posts against my me and my firm? That makes no sense. He obviously does not proof read his work before he sends it out. And that's an appraisers job. A normal person would learn from his mistakes and reflect on how to do better. Not get defensive and always think his view is the ultimate and nay sayers shall repress. This happened from being a 3rd generation appraiser who thinks because he is third generation makes him more valuable and knowledgeable. Not the case, just an inflated ego.

W
W
West Coast Appraiser
, US
Jun 21, 2020 2:51 am EDT

Mr. " Chris2k11" (real name withheld out of respect) has filed an unwarranted claim against my professional services, as I have always, and will continue to provide high quality, honest, unbiased appraisal reports and consulting services. I understand Mr."Chris2k11’s" disappointment; however this does not justify filing a claim based on uninformed misguided information regarding my profession.

At the request of my client, the lending institution in connection with Mr. "Chris2k11’s" construction financing, I completed an appraisal report on Mr. "Chris2k11’s" proposed single family residence.

In the preliminary gathering of data, I obtained the plans and specifications detailing the blueprints, description of materials, and itemized cost breakdown associated with the construction of Mr." Chris2k11’s" proposed residence. After reviewing the construction documents; I determined the total cost of construction, square footage, room count, and design. With this information I was able to conduct a search for comparable properties within the sub-market in which Mr. "Chris2k11" intended to construct his single family dwelling.

After examining the county assessor’s records and physically inspecting the subject site, I concluded the topography of the site to be moderately sloping downward from the street. Based on my review of the site plan and elevations, it was my determination the first floor would be partially below grade, constituting a daylight basement. This was a point of disagreement in Mr. "Chris2k11’s" concern with my appraisal report.

After conducting my document analysis and field inspections, I proceeded to complete my appraisal report utilizing what I deemed the most comparable properties available. This included; age, location, view amenity, design, square footage, room count, and overall quality of construction that was commensurate with Mr."Chris2k11’s" proposed residence. Despite Mr." Chris2k11’s" comment, I then completed my appraisal report in compliance with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac guidelines, as well as the Uniform Standards of Professional Practice resulting in my opinion of market value. The completed appraisal report was then delivered to my client, the lender for Mr. "Chris2k11’s" construction loan.

After a copy of my appraisal report was delivered to Mr." Chris2k11" from his lending institution, I was notified Mr." Chris2k11" had some concerns regarding my appraisal report. Mr." Chris2k11" provided additional sales for me to consider as comparables in my appraisal report, which would result in a higher market value for Mr. " Chris2k11’s" proposed residence. Mr." Chris2k11" was also in disagreement with my determination of the first floor being considered a daylight basement. I re-opened my work file, examined the construction plans, photos, topography, and once again concluded the first floor would be recognized by the market as a daylight basement. I then proceeded to review the additional sales provided by Mr." Chris2k11." It was my conclusion the comparable sales and comparable active listing contained in my appraisal report were more reflective of the current market conditions, and the market value of Mr. " Chris2k11’s" proposed residence. I included a comparable listing in my appraisal report as a fundamental basis in establishing the top end of the market value through a direct application of the Principle of Substitution. Essentially, why would a potential buyer pay more for Mr." Chris2k11’s" proposed residence when they could purchase a like home of similar age, quality of construction, location, view amenity, square footage, and overall functional utility?

I completely understand Mr. "Chris2k11’s" disappointment receiving an appraisal indicating an opinion of market value less than the actual cost of construction. This is attributable to the market conditions as of the effective date of my appraisal report. Primarily comparable vacant new construction homes listed on the market at discounted prices owned by builders facing foreclosure or bankruptcy, coupled with lender owned new construction offered at a price lower than the actual cost of construction. I acknowledge, typically lender owned homes are generally not utilized as comparables, however this has not been the case in the current depressed real estate market. Short sales and lender owned homes are in direct competition with non-distressed sellers. This is causing non-distressed sellers to lower their offering prices in order to compete with the abundance of distressed housing inventory.

It is my client’s policy, Mr. "Chris2k11’s" lender, to have two separate appraisal reports completed on proposed construction projects in this price range. The other appraiser and I had no communication while completing the appraisal reports. I am not told the name of the other appraiser or provided an “estimated” value needed to make the loan work.

It is worth noting, Mr. "Chris2k11" has filed the same exact complaint, only changing the names of the appraisers on a total of three different appraisers, including myself. One of which was an appraisal report obtained by a different lender.

Mr. "Chris2k11’s" statement regarding my lack of competency to appraise high end construction is an opinion. My statements are based on facts backed by over five years of files containing appraisal reports including multi-million dollar luxury quality homes located in Seattle, Bellevue, and Mercer Island.

As stated in my appraisal report, certification #18, “My employment and/or compensation for performing this appraisal or any future or anticipated appraisals was not conditioned on any agreement or understanding, written or otherwise, that I would report (or present analysis supporting ) a predetermined specific value, a predetermined minimum value, a range or direction in value, a value that favors the cause of any party, or the attainment of a specific result or occurrence of a specific subsequent event (such as approval of a mortgage loan application).

In conclusion, I have provided information based on facts opposed to Mr. "Chris2k11’s" egregious allegations against my professional competency. My employer, Atled Enterprises has a long standing reputation of providing high quality real estate valuation services for over twenty-five years, with no complaints filed with the Better Business Bureau.

R
R
RE-Economics
Tacoma, US
Jan 13, 2011 7:05 pm EST

Mr. " Chris2k11" (real name withheld out of respect) has filed an unwarranted claim against my professional services, as I have always, and will continue to provide high quality, honest, unbiased appraisal reports and consulting services. I understand Mr."Chris2k11’s" disappointment; however this does not justify filing a claim based on uninformed misguided information regarding my profession.

At the request of my client, the lending institution in connection with Mr. "Chris2k11’s" construction financing, I completed an appraisal report on Mr. "Chris2k11’s" proposed single family residence.

In the preliminary gathering of data, I obtained the plans and specifications detailing the blueprints, description of materials, and itemized cost breakdown associated with the construction of Mr." Chris2k11’s" proposed residence. After reviewing the construction documents; I determined the total cost of construction, square footage, room count, and design. With this information I was able to conduct a search for comparable properties within the sub-market in which Mr. "Chris2k11" intended to construct his single family dwelling.

After examining the county assessor’s records and physically inspecting the subject site, I concluded the topography of the site to be moderately sloping downward from the street. Based on my review of the site plan and elevations, it was my determination the first floor would be partially below grade, constituting a daylight basement. This was a point of disagreement in Mr. "Chris2k11’s" concern with my appraisal report.

After conducting my document analysis and field inspections, I proceeded to complete my appraisal report utilizing what I deemed the most comparable properties available. This included; age, location, view amenity, design, square footage, room count, and overall quality of construction that was commensurate with Mr."Chris2k11’s" proposed residence. Despite Mr." Chris2k11’s" comment, I then completed my appraisal report in compliance with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac guidelines, as well as the Uniform Standards of Professional Practice resulting in my opinion of market value. The completed appraisal report was then delivered to my client, the lender for Mr. "Chris2k11’s" construction loan.

After a copy of my appraisal report was delivered to Mr." Chris2k11" from his lending institution, I was notified Mr." Chris2k11" had some concerns regarding my appraisal report. Mr." Chris2k11" provided additional sales for me to consider as comparables in my appraisal report, which would result in a higher market value for Mr. " Chris2k11’s" proposed residence. Mr." Chris2k11" was also in disagreement with my determination of the first floor being considered a daylight basement. I re-opened my work file, examined the construction plans, photos, topography, and once again concluded the first floor would be recognized by the market as a daylight basement. I then proceeded to review the additional sales provided by Mr." Chris2k11." It was my conclusion the comparable sales and comparable active listing contained in my appraisal report were more reflective of the current market conditions, and the market value of Mr. " Chris2k11’s" proposed residence. I included a comparable listing in my appraisal report as a fundamental basis in establishing the top end of the market value through a direct application of the Principle of Substitution. Essentially, why would a potential buyer pay more for Mr." Chris2k11’s" proposed residence when they could purchase a like home of similar age, quality of construction, location, view amenity, square footage, and overall functional utility?

I completely understand Mr. "Chris2k11’s" disappointment receiving an appraisal indicating an opinion of market value less than the actual cost of construction. This is attributable to the market conditions as of the effective date of my appraisal report. Primarily comparable vacant new construction homes listed on the market at discounted prices owned by builders facing foreclosure or bankruptcy, coupled with lender owned new construction offered at a price lower than the actual cost of construction. I acknowledge, typically lender owned homes are generally not utilized as comparables, however this has not been the case in the current depressed real estate market. Short sales and lender owned homes are in direct competition with non-distressed sellers. This is causing non-distressed sellers to lower their offering prices in order to compete with the abundance of distressed housing inventory.

It is my client’s policy, Mr. "Chris2k11’s" lender, to have two separate appraisal reports completed on proposed construction projects in this price range. The other appraiser and I had no communication while completing the appraisal reports. I am not told the name of the other appraiser or provided an “estimated” value needed to make the loan work.

It is worth noting, Mr. "Chris2k11" has filed the same exact complaint, only changing the names of the appraisers on a total of three different appraisers, including myself. One of which was an appraisal report obtained by a different lender.

Mr. "Chris2k11’s" statement regarding my lack of competency to appraise high end construction is an opinion. My statements are based on facts backed by over five years of files containing appraisal reports including multi-million dollar luxury quality homes located in Seattle, Bellevue, and Mercer Island.

As stated in my appraisal report, certification #18, “My employment and/or compensation for performing this appraisal or any future or anticipated appraisals was not conditioned on any agreement or understanding, written or otherwise, that I would report (or present analysis supporting ) a predetermined specific value, a predetermined minimum value, a range or direction in value, a value that favors the cause of any party, or the attainment of a specific result or occurrence of a specific subsequent event (such as approval of a mortgage loan application).

In conclusion, I have provided information based on facts opposed to Mr. "Chris2k11’s" egregious allegations against my professional competency. My employer, Atled Enterprises has a long standing reputation of providing high quality real estate valuation services for over twenty-five years, with no complaints filed with the Better Business Bureau.

Defamation? Libel? My attorney sure seems to think so...

Respectfully Submitted,

Andrew N. Kesterson

Certified Real Estate Appraiser

ComplaintsBoard
C
10:44 pm EST
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Real Estate Appraisal Paul Edward Kalmar

Extremely poor appraisal quality, missed applying basement Fannie Mae guidelines correctly, no knowledge of high end new construction or any construction in the city of Seattle. Paul Edward Kalmar assumed building grade lower than spec home quality construction that no one can even do around in the city, maybe out where he's from. They were off by 45% from actual construction costs and I verified that by ordering another accurate and competent appraisal. Yet they wouldn't reconsider any of my detailed comp and numerous technical errors that I raised. Of course not, they are always right. Appraisers as an industry are the worse, for years they matched the sales prices of booming real estate without any honest analysis, and now the pendulum has swung to the opposite, still no analysis, but pick the lowest value within 10 miles and fill in the computer program. In my opinion, I recommend anyone AVOID these guys and AVOID BECU for construction loans. Get someone from the actual city of Seattle.

Read full review of Real Estate Appraisal and 3 comments
Hide full review
3 comments
Add a comment
N
N
NASA SpaceX
, US
Mar 28, 2020 4:00 pm EDT

We recently had our property appraised by Paul Kalmar to our dismay and disappointment he undermined & undervalued our property drastically.

We raised many legitimate questions, to provide rationale behind his falsified data and valuation. He refuses, to provide justification. He is highly unprofessional and arrogant.

Very unfortunately, based on the recommendation from Wells Fargo, we had him appraised our property, we should have had done our homework, bummer! We have taken up the matter with Wells Fargo to deal with him strictly and not get away with fees paid and time spent. Please stay away !

M
M
Me To
, US
Dec 22, 2015 4:09 pm EST

NO this guy is actually correct! This man just did a huge appraisal blunder on a clients deal. 30K - 40K under ... he doesn't know how to do an appraisal period! Stay away from him.. All agents should stay away from him.

R
R
RE-Economics
Tacoma, US
Sep 27, 2011 4:20 am EDT

This man is upset because he was unable to obtain his loan due to the depressed housing market. He has posted complaints about me and the two other appraisers that appraised the same property for two different lenders. Three appraisers and we are all wrong? Seems strait forward to me. Please refer to the other complaints made regarding this appraisal issue and you will see I have provided an in-depth explanation regarding the process I employed in the valuation of his property. You will also see all of the complaints are near identical, with only the name of the appraiser changed.

Giving a Voice to Consumers

We support genuine feedback

At ComplaintsBoard, we know how real consumer issues matter. Our platform is a special place for honest opinions, where people share their reviews openly and honestly, whether good or bad.

We are committed to authenticity

Our team checks each complaint or review thoroughly to confirm that each one comes from a real customer experience, keeping our platform trustworthy.

We prefer proof

We're totally cool with complaints, as long as you've got some evidence to back it up. Whether it's a photo, a detailed story, or documents, providing evidence makes your complaint more believable and helps others make smart choices.

We’re all about conversations

ComplaintsBoard is more than just a place to share complaints; it's a community where we talk things out fairly. We welcome reviews that not only point out problems but also mention any positive experiences, giving a balanced view.

We are open to everyone

We're dedicated to providing a fair and unbiased platform for all complaints. Every complaint is important to us, no matter what it's about, ensuring your concerns are heard and respected.