The Wagner Difference

LEGAL and LITIGATION SUPPORT APPRAISAL SERVICES

A LIST OF REASONS WHY A. L. WAGNER APPRAISAL GROUP IS ONE OF THE PREMIER RESIDENTIAL APPRAISAL COMPANIES IN OUR MARKET AREA

WHAT DIFFERENTIATES US FROM OUR COMPETITION?

  1. Reputation with Legal Community/Attorneys
    1. For over 25 years, local Attorneys have turned to A. L. Wagner Appraisal Group for Appraisal Valuation of residential properties that include:     

                                                               i.      Marital/Partnership dissolution

                                                             ii.      Estates

                                                            iii.      Trusts

                                                           iv.      Municipal Zoning variance issues

                                                             v.      Residential real estate with Mold issues

                                                           vi.      Residential real estate with structural problems

                                                          vii.      Residential real estate with problems relating to Dryvit/EIFS siding

  1. Timeliness
    1. The completion of the appraisal can vary depending on cooperation with parties for access, availability of information, and the complexity of the assignment.
    2. A mutually agreed upon delivery date will be established.
    3. Upon contact with appraisal firm, an Engagement Letter will be developed and signed by both parties to protect interests of both the appraiser and the client.  Delays outside the terms of the letter of engagement are communicated to the client immediately.

 

  1. Experience of appraisers
    1. Two appraisers in the firm are capable of handling the complex assignments for litigation, and have the ability to defend their work at a deposition or witness stand.

                                                             i.      Chip Wagner – 23 years (full time since 1990, first appraisal in 1984)

                                                            ii.      Maureen Sweeney – 20 years (1988 to 2007)

 

  1. Professionalism
    1. Appraisers qualified to do appraisals for legal purposes all have college degrees

                                                             i.      Chip Wagner, Bradley University, Business Management major

                                                            ii.      Maureen Sweeney,

    1. Both appraisers have earned the SRA designation with the Appraisal Institute, which is the highest designation that a residential appraiser may achieve in our industry.  It includes peer-review for experience, and coursework is equivalent to masters-degree level work and thesis (demonstration appraisal).
  1. Communication with Clients
    1. Full-time office staff to accommodate client telephone requests during regular business hours.
    2. ETrac system implemented to allow seamless communication between management, appraiser contractors, and clients if they so choose to subscribe.

 

  1. Curriculum Vitae includes teaching and training
    1. Chip Wagner

                                                              i.      Taught introductory appraisal licensing courses at College DuPage since 1995

                                                            ii.      Taught continuing education courses for Appraisal Academy and the Equity Network since 2000

                                                          iii.      Developed and taught specialized 4 hour course for national audience at the American Society of Appraisers (ASA) International Convention in San Diego in 2001.

                                                          iv.      Developed and taught courses approved for CRP Recertification Credits in the Relocation Industry throughout the country.

                                                            v.      Developed and taught training courses and seminars for the real estate brokerage community in the State of Illinois.

 

  1. Curriculum Vitae includes coursework in legal issues
    1. Chip Wagner

                                                               i.      Appraisal Institute course:  The Appraiser as an Expert Witness: Preparation & Testimony, Course 700

                                                            ii.      Appraisal Institute Seminar:  When Good Houses Go Bad

                                                            iii.      Appraisal Institute course:  Eminent Domain and Condemnation

                                                           iv.      Appraisal Institute Seminar:  Valuation of Detrimental Conditions

 

  1. Retrospective and Forensic Appraisal Experience
    1. Chip Wagner

                                                              i.     Has provided retrospective appraisals and reviews on fraudulent appraisals