Consulting

An appraisal tells you what a property is worth. Consulting helps you decide what to do about it.

With more than three decades of valuation experience and ten years as a California tax appraiser, Anthony Grillo brings a level of professional perspective that goes well beyond a standard appraisal engagement. Whether you're navigating a complex transaction, evaluating a real estate decision under time pressure, or trying to understand what your options are, consulting services provide the independent expert guidance to help you move forward with confidence.

Consulting engagements are tailored to your situation — available as a standalone service or as an extension of an appraisal assignment.

For Individual Property Owners

Pre-purchase advisory — Before making an offer, a buyer hires an independent appraiser to evaluate whether the asking price is reasonable, identify value-affecting issues the seller may not have disclosed, and assess the property's true market position. This is distinct from a lender-ordered appraisal.

Listing price strategy — A seller wants an independent opinion of value before listing, separate from a real estate agent's comparative market analysis. We advise on realistic pricing given current market conditions.

Renovation ROI analysis — Before spending money on improvements, a homeowner wants to know their return of investment (ROI), which upgrades actually add market value and which don't. We can evaluate whether a planned renovation is likely to recoup its cost at resale and its potential tax assessment impact.

Neighbor/boundary disputes — When a dispute about a shared fence, easement, or encroachment affects property value, an independent appraiser can quantify the impact.

For Property Owners Facing Tax Assessment Disputes

Assessment review and advisory — Before committing to an appeal, you need an honest evaluation of whether your case is worth pursuing. We review your current assessment against actual market evidence and give you a straight answer — including a realistic sense of how strong your position is and what outcome you might reasonably expect. Our experience working inside the county assessment process means we understand exactly how assessors arrive at their numbers, and where those numbers are most likely to be wrong.

Appeal analysis and report preparation — When the evidence supports a challenge, a thorough valuation analysis is prepared specifically formatted to meet the requirements of your local Assessment Appeals Board. These reports are well-documented, clearly argued, and built to withstand the scrutiny of the hearing process — not just a number on a page, but a defensible case.

Appeals representation — We represent property owners through the full appeals process, from initial filing through hearings and stipulation negotiations. Having someone in your corner who has managed these hearings from the assessor's side of the table — and understands how stipulations get negotiated — makes a meaningful difference in outcomes. Most property owners go into this process at a significant disadvantage. We level that playing field.

For Legal and Financial Professionals

Expert witness and litigation support — Attorneys in divorce, probate, partnership dissolution, or real estate disputes need an appraiser who can prepare a defensible report and testify. This is one of the highest-value consulting services an experienced appraiser can offer.

Retrospective valuations — Establishing what a property was worth at a specific date in the past — for estate tax purposes, divorce settlements, capital gains calculations, or insurance claims requires deep market research skills, not just current market knowledge.

Mediation support — When two parties have conflicting appraisals, an experienced independent consultant can serve as a neutral third-party reviewer or help parties reach a negotiated value.

Review appraisals — An attorney, lender, or fiduciary engages us to review another appraiser's work and render an opinion on its credibility and accuracy. Common in litigation and estate administration.

For Real Estate Investors and Asset Managers

Portfolio valuation — Periodic independent valuation of a residential investment portfolio for reporting, financing, or disposition planning purposes.

Feasibility analysis — Before acquiring a property for renovation and resale, an investor wants an independent assessment of after-repair value (ARV) to stress-test the deal.

Market analysis — A deeper dive into supply, demand, and pricing trends in a specific neighborhood or property type to inform investment decisions.

For Lenders and Financial Institutions

Appraisal review — Private lenders, credit unions, and family offices often want an independent second opinion on an appraisal before funding a loan.

Loss mitigation consulting — Helping lenders understand the value of distressed or defaulted properties to inform workout strategies.