What Is an Accurate Divorce Appraisal in Ann Arbor, MI?

Get the facts about Divorce Appraisals in Ann Arbor, MI. Day Appraisal Company explains the process, value, and legal considerations so you are fully informed.

A divorce appraisal is a professional, unbiased estimate of a home’s fair market value prepared for the purpose of dividing assets during a divorce. It focuses on objective market data, condition, and legal date-of-value so spouses, attorneys, and courts can split equity fairly. — Day Appraisal Company. 

Why a Divorce Appraisal Matters in Ann Arbor

When a marriage ends, the marital home often represents one of the largest shared assets. Michigan law requires property to be divided fairly — not necessarily 50/50 — so a defensible, accurate valuation is essential for negotiations, buyouts, settlement agreements, or court decisions. An independent, court-ready appraisal removes guesswork, reduces conflict, and protects both parties from overpaying or underselling. 

What a Divorce Appraisal Includes — Short Checklist 

• A site visit and interior/exterior inspection.
• Identification of comparable sales in Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County.
• Adjustments for condition, updates, and market timing.
• Reconciliation of value approaches (sales comparison, income if rented, and cost).
• A signed, USPAP-compliant report with effective date and certified appraiser statement..

How Day Appraisal Company Performs Divorce Appraisals in Ann Arbor

At Day Appraisal Company, each divorce appraisal is handled by a state-licensed appraiser with more than 20 years’ experience in southeast Michigan. We treat divorce work as a legal document: unbiased, clear, and court-ready. Typical components of our process:

1. Intake & scope. We confirm the purpose (settlement, buyout, court), effective date of value, and any special instructions.
2. On-site inspection. We document living area, beds/baths, finishes, structural items, and any deferred maintenance.
3. Local market research. We analyze neighborhood sales, market trends, and Ann Arbor micro-markets to find the best comparables.
4. Adjustments & reconciliation. We make condition and feature adjustments and reconcile methodologies into a final opinion of value.
5. Court-ready report. The written report includes photos, map, comparable grid, and certification suitable for attorneys and judges.

Day Appraisal Company emphasizes fast turnaround—many reports are completed within two business days—while maintaining industry standards and impartiality. 

Divorce Appraisal vs. Market Appraisal vs. CMA

• Divorce appraisal: Written for legal/settlement use; includes date-of-value clarity and level of detail acceptable to attorneys and courts.
• Market appraisal (general): Often used for lending or refinance; similar methods but sometimes different scope or addenda.
• Comparative Market Analysis (CMA): Prepared by an agent; useful for listing strategy but not a certified, USPAP-compliant appraisal and often not defensible in court.

If you need valuation for a divorce, a certified appraisal is the safe, defensible choice.

Who Orders and Who Pays for a Divorce Appraisal in Michigan?

Either spouse can order an appraisal, or the parties can agree to a single neutral appraisal. Attorneys sometimes request appraisals as part of negotiations; courts may also order a valuation. Payment arrangements vary: spouses may split the fee, one party may pay up front with the cost allocated later in the settlement, or the court may apportion costs. Communicate payment and scope with your attorney and the appraiser before the inspection. 

What Affects a Home’s Value in Ann Arbor Divorce Cases

Local factors matter. Typical value drivers include:

• Neighborhood and school district (Ann Arbor has diverse micro-markets).
• Recent comparable sales in Washtenaw County.
• Condition, upgrades, and deferred maintenance.
• Functional obsolescence and lot size.
• Market timing: a spring market vs. a slow winter can materially change value.

An accurate divorce appraisal recognizes these local influences and explains adjustments clearly for attorneys and judges.

Typical Timeframe and Cost (Ann Arbor Estimates)

• Timeframe: Inspections are usually scheduled within a few business days; a full report commonly returns in 2–7 business days depending on complexity. Day Appraisal Company often completes standard residential divorce appraisals quickly while preserving quality.
• Cost: Fees depend on property size, complexity, and whether the report will support litigation. Expect higher fees for multi-unit homes, investment properties, or when additional analyses are required. Avoid unqualified low-cost “online estimates” — false savings can cost far more during settlement.

Documents to Gather Before the Appraisal

Preparing documents speeds the process and improves accuracy:

• Deed or legal description.
• Recent mortgage statements and property tax bills.
• Documentation of major renovations or improvements.
• Floor plans (if available) and HOA information.
• Prior appraisal reports or broker CMAs.

Provide these to the appraiser at intake or during inspection.

Common Red Flags to Avoid

• Relying solely on online valuation tools or agent CMAs for legal splitting.
• Hiring an unlicensed or inexperienced appraiser.
• Using an appraiser who has a conflict of interest (family, agent relationships).
• Skipping a formal report because “you already know the market.”

An unbiased, certified appraisal protects both parties and avoids later litigation over valuation disputes.

Why Choose Day Appraisal Company 

Day Appraisal Company is a locally owned, state-licensed appraisal firm founded by Todd Day with over 20 years of experience serving Ann Arbor, Washtenaw County, and the greater Detroit region. We provide court-ready, USPAP-compliant reports and pride ourselves on clarity, integrity, and fast turnaround—often within two business days—so you and your attorney can move negotiations forward with confidence. 

Next Steps: How to Order a Divorce Appraisal

1. Call Day Appraisal Company at (734) 274-0526 or visit the contact page on our website to request a quote. 
2. Tell us the purpose (divorce), desired effective date of value, and any court deadlines.
3. Provide available documents and schedule the inspection.
4. Receive a court-ready report with photos, comparables, and a signed certification.

Final Thought

A divorce appraisal is more than a number on a page: it’s a legal tool that protects equity, reduces conflict, and gives both parties a clear, defensible path to settlement. In Ann Arbor’s varied housing market, local expertise and an impartial, certified appraisal make a meaningful difference. If you need a reliable valuation for divorce settlement or court use, Day Appraisal Company offers experience, speed, and reports that attorneys respect. 

Ready to get a trusted Divorce Appraisal from a certified local expert? Contact Day Appraisal Company at (734) 274-0526, email via the contact form on our site, or visit us in Ann Arbor, MI 48108 to schedule your appraisal and protect your property interests today. 

FAQs

Does Michigan require a divorce appraisal?

No state law forces an appraisal, but Michigan courts expect fair division and often accept certified appraisals as evidence when parties cannot agree. Having a professional valuation strengthens your position during negotiation or trial. 

How is the value date set?

The effective date of value is usually the date of separation, the date ordered by the court, or another date agreed upon by the parties. The appraiser will state that date prominently in the report.

Can an appraisal be challenged?

Yes. If either party disputes the appraisal, they may order a second appraisal, hire an expert witness, or challenge methodology in court. That’s why hiring a credentialed, impartial appraiser is critical.

Who should attend the inspection?

Either spouse, their attorney, or a neutral representative can attend. The appraiser needs access and accurate information; avoid coaching the appraiser or withholding material facts.

What if there are two appraisals with different values?

Differences can stem from timing, comparable selection, or adjustments. Parties often negotiate a compromise, choose the neutral report, or submit experts to the court to reconcile differences.