About us
First Equity Appraisal Services offers a complete range of valuations and evaluations for all sorts of appraisal functions including appraisals for both conventional and FHA mortgages , tax appeals, estates, divorces, pre-sale analysis for both buyer or seller, bankruptcies, insurance cases, condemnation cases, and the like. In addition to handling single-family houses, 2-4 family dwellings, and vacant land, Chief Appraiser Kevin J. Bowman is certified for commercial cases and complex assignments. We also offer expedited RUSH service, weekend service, and even same-day service if needed. We pride ourselves not only on our expert valuations, but on our extra effort service-when you call, we're there!
Business highlights
Services we offer
Real estate appraisals of residential and commercial properties, and pre-sale analysis for both buyer or seller. I have a Certified General Real Estate Appraiser Certificate in Pennsylvania., and vacant land. Typical uses include refinancings, apartment buildings, bankruptcy petitions, divorce proceedings, estate valuation, including but not limited to houses, industrial buildings, purchases, retail buildings
Accepted Payment Methods
- CreditCard
| Number of Stars | Image of Distribution | Number of Ratings |
|---|---|---|
| 90% | ||
| 3% | ||
| 3% | ||
| 0% | ||
| 3% |
"This is in response to the negative review of my appraisal service to [Member Name Removed]. Since she has revealed details of the appraisal and her address in this public forum, I am taking this as her waiver of the confidentiality provision. Her opening statement is confusing; she states "Could not get a real value appraisal, needed for estate value and so we could get an approximate real value for a loan" What does this even mean? Is she saying that I did not provide a value? That is untrue-I provided a specific estimate of value in the form of a dollar figure, just as I have done on the 11,000+ other appraisals I have completed over almost 40 years. Is she saying that I did not perform a mortgage appraisal? I didn't-because her initial written inquiry and our subsequent appraisal contract mentioned NOTHING about a loan appraisal. If she HAD wanted me to do a mortgage appraisal, I would have advised her that it is against Federal banking regulations for the customer to choose their own appraiser. She then complains about a "simple" appraisal form-the same non-lending appraisal form known as a General Purpose Appraisal Report (GPAR) that I have used almost a thousand times and that my fellow appraisal professionals have used millions of times over the past several decades. In the several decades that I have been using it, I have never heard it described as "simple". This form is routinely used in estate settlement, divorces, tax appeals, and legal proceedings in court. In her case, it was 32 PAGES of detailed analysis & exhibits. She also complained that "nothing was noted as to the poor condition". Again, this is a false assertion, since every appraisal has a section for condition, and this one was no exception. Finally, she claims that I never talked with her about the scope of work form. Again, this is untrue, especially since she jointly signed-along with me- a one page “Agreement For Appraisal Services”. This is the scope of work form that lays out the terms of my services to her."
I contacted Kevin after searching through Angie's list. His business address is within 10 miles of our home, so that was a factor.
I explained that we needed an appraisal done quickly so we could put our home on the market. Since we are listing the home ourselves, we needed an accurate assessment. Kevin assured us that he could accommodate our needs in a timely fashion.
We scheduled the appraisal date, which was within two days of my first contact with him. He spent a couple of hours at our home taking notes, measuring, asking questions about the house. He said that he would have the report within the week, and it would be delivered via email. This all happened as he had said. The report was thorough, includes photographs and details, and comparative properties.
We were very satisfied with the work that Kevin provided for us in such a short amount of time. He delivered the appraisal within the week, as he had stated.
Kevin was professional, prompt, and thorough. We would recommend him to anyone who is need of an appraisal of their home.
"Thank-you for the kind review. However, I actually did not do this particular assignment. You have mistaken me for someone else. Can Angie's List please correct and remove the review? At my office, I sign an appraisal agreement up front that specifies the exact amount paid ahead of time. If this had been my office, I would have let you send me the check later if it was filled out incorrectly or would have accepted a credit card...I think the other appraiser acted badly by not sending you a refund check."
Licensing
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