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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

Top-Rated Property appraisers in Lake Forest - Updated Nov 2026

Avatar for Penny Smith Realtor/Appraiser
Penny Smith Realtor/Appraiser
5.0(
183
)
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%
1 neighbors recently requested a quote
Avatar for First Source Appraisal, Inc.
First Source Appraisal, Inc.
4.7(
165
)
Appraisal - Real Estate

Serving Lake Forest, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2004

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"The price of the appraisal was timely and I received the appraisal quickly. Damon was very polite and honest. he appraisal gave me a good idea what the property was worth."
Conf Room
building
building
Building
Response time7 hrs
Response rate91%
132 neighbors recently requested a quote
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."
4 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by100%of homeowners
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
6 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by98%of homeowners
Avatar for Fisher Appraisals
Fisher Appraisals
4.5(
63
)
Appraisal - Real Estate

Serving Lake Forest, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2003

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

"Mr. Chuck Fisher did an appraisal on my deceased mother's house. He was on time for the appointment, was friendly, and professional. I had the report in about four days which was fine with me. His price was reasonable and fair compared to a few others I spoke to. His report gave me an appraised value as of the date of death as well as a current value which was a few months after the death. Another appraiser wanted to charge a lot extra for the two values. I think Mr. Fisher did a thorough and fair appraisal."
  detached residential
 Attached homes
 detached residential
 condo
  detached residential

+2

Response time7 hrs
11 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by95%of homeowners
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

"My husband and I are thrilled by the service we received from Appraising LA. We needed an appraisal in a very short turn around time and not only did they perform the service within record time, but they even went out on a Sunday to inspect the property in order to meet our deadline. They also offered the best price of any appraiser we contacted. We highly recommend Appraising LA and would definitely use them again.

"
Response time1 day
10 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by100%of homeowners
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 FAQs, answered by experts

You can be present during a home appraisal, but it’s best to stay out of the appraiser’s way. Make yourself available, but don’t engage or interrupt, and don’t discuss value or your target sales price. If possible, have your agent present in the house instead of being present yourself.

Ideally, you’d never pay more than the appraised value for a home, but there are some instances where it makes sense to do so. For example, if your current living arrangements are no longer viable and you need a place to move into quickly, paying more than the appraised value might be in your best interest to secure a new home. Additionally, if you’re buying in a hot market, overpaying for the home might be necessary to overcome the competition.

Estate shutters are considered a high-end window treatment that increases home value. As previously mentioned, this project comes with an ROI of up to 75%. Shutters can also improve your home’s energy efficiency, especially if you choose PVC or faux wood shutters, which will lead to long-term savings on your energy bills.

They provide objective, third-party valuation, guiding fair sales or purchase prices.

In cases where an appraisal comes in lower than an offer price, sellers might opt to lower their asking price to meet the appraisal, especially if the market is slow, and replacing the offer with a higher one may take a long time. Sellers can also offer to make repairs to boost the appraised value, hire another appraiser to get a second opinion, or just move on to another offer that isn’t contingent on the buyer getting a mortgage or an appraisal inspection.

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.