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TRUSTED BY LAKE FOREST, CA HOMEOWNERS

  • Average homeowner rating star icon4.8
    Average homeowner rating
  • Verified reviews icon59
    Verified property appraisals reviews

Verified Reviews for Property Appraisal pros in Lake Forest, CA

*The Angi rating for Property Appraisal companies in Lake Forest, CA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Property Appraisal needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Property Appraisal companies in Lake Forest, CA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Property Appraisal needs.

Last update on January 28, 2026

Find Property appraisers in Lake Forest

Avatar for Penny Smith Realtor/Appraiser
Penny Smith Realtor/Appraiser
5.0(
180
)
Appraisal - Real Estate

Serving Lake Forest, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1978

Customers say: True professional

"This was an appraisal of a older condominium unit in a gated Southern California beach community for a trust administration. Unusual in that Penny did not have access to interior of the unit she had to appraise. She was very thorough in her research of the complex, and inspected a similar unit that was on the market, in addition to reviewing prior sales records and condition of the unit she appraised. Her comps were very good and it was clear that she'd done her due diligence to discern the appropriate sales, given the three different areas of buildout in the complex. She made a balanced and fair valuation of the property which was important for me to have as the Trustee, and reported on her considerations in good detail."
Additional Photos
Additional Photos
Additional Photos
Additional Photos
Additional Photos

+23

Response time7 hrs
Response rate100%
2 neighbors recently requested a quote
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Avatar for James Beggs
James Beggs
4.9(
28
)
Appraisal - Real Estate

Serving Lake Forest, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2003

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

"Angi is like a crazy one night stand that won't go away once she gets your number but the appraiser was very professional, knowledgeable, efficient and responsive."
3 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by100%of homeowners
Request Quote
Avatar for NorthStar Appraisal Services
NorthStar Appraisal Services
4.7(
92
)
Appraisal - Real Estate

Serving Lake Forest, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2003

Free estimates

Customers say: Quality work

"Jeanine was prompt, pleasant, and professional. She measured and photographed all aspects of the property. Appraisal report was prompt as promised. Would recommend this service."
Front/street view
Views, location, custom homes, upgrades
Some of the views
Back of home
Master BR of one of the homes

+14

Response time2 hrs
4 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by98%of homeowners
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Avatar for Appraising LA
Appraising LA
4.7(
14
)
Appraisal - Real Estate

Serving Lake Forest, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2005

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"It went very well. Got three referrals and decided on one. Richard Pease came out at a convenient time for us and was able to give us a detailed appraisal the following day. He was professional, polite, pleasant, and informative."
Response time1 day
7 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by100%of homeowners
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Avatar for Paul Marchi Appraisal - PM Realty Advisors
Paul Marchi Appraisal - PM Realty Advisors
4.9(
6
)
Appraisal - Real Estate

Serving Lake Forest, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1986

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"I am a real estate agent. I have known Paul Marchi for over 20 years. He is highly skilled in commercial and residential real estate appraisals. I highly recommend this company."
Laguna View Condo
Stacked Flat Condos
Modern Condos
Coastal Condos
Townhomes

+11

Response time1 day
Response rate98%
Recommended by100%of homeowners
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Property Appraiser questions, answered by experts

While some aspects of an appraisal, such as comparable properties nearby, are out of your control, there are several steps you can take to potentially increase your home's value. Make any necessary repairs and upgrades before the appraiser's visit, as they can only value what is currently part of the home, not its potential. Examples include renovating older areas, updating landscaping to boost curb appeal, and staging your home. You can also provide the appraiser with the cost of recent upgrades, which may increase your home's value by about 50% or more of what you paid for those improvements.

In most cases, installing a tennis court on your property will drive up your property taxes. Property taxes are determined, in part, based on improvements made to your property, which includes anything with a permanent foundation. Since most home tennis courts include a large concrete foundation, your property taxes will likely increase following the installation. A general rule of thumb is that if your project requires permits—like for a foundation or fencing for a tennis court—then your property taxes will be affected.

If you can’t find any records online, you’ll need to contact your county clerk’s office to do further research. They should have property records on file, or can at least point you in the right direction of who to contact. You can also speak with your neighbors about when their houses were built because they were likely built around the same time.

Some appraisers hold a Member of the Appraisal Institute designation. This accolade is the highest credential property appraisers can earn. An MAI appraisal is typically used for commercial properties.

While your lender will likely recommend an appraiser, you can also hire a professional home appraiser on your own. Choose someone who is experienced in your type of residential property, and ensure they hold all of the necessary credentials that your state or region requires.

Yes, the age of your home can impact its value. However, age is just one of many factors that will have an effect. An older home may be perceived as needing more work and maintenance, but if you’ve kept up with repairs or done any renovations, this will increase its value. Buyers will also consider the size of the house, location, and how nearby homes are priced. Lastly, value also depends on whether it’s a buyer or seller’s market.

The Lake Forest, CA homeowners’ guide to property appraisals

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

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