Frequently Asked Questions

Appraisal fees in Sussex County vary based on property type, size, complexity, and location. Standard single-family home appraisals are priced differently from oceanfront condos, luxury properties, or investment properties. Contact us at 443-904-5430 for a specific quote — we respond within 1 business day.

Worcester County appraisal fees depend on the property type and purpose. Estate, divorce, and standard residential appraisals are priced based on scope of work. Call 443-904-5430 for a quote specific to your property.

Most residential appraisals are completed within 3 to 5 business days from the date of the property inspection. Complex or high-value properties may require additional time. We will always give you an honest timeline upfront.

The appraiser visits the property to measure its size, note its condition, photograph key features, and observe any improvements or deficiencies. The visit typically takes 30 to 60 minutes depending on property size. The written report is completed after the inspection using comparable sales data and market analysis.

USPAP stands for Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice — the nationally recognized standards all licensed and certified appraisers must follow. A USPAP-compliant report meets the requirements of courts, lenders, the IRS, and government agencies in both Maryland and Delaware.

Yes. Justin Drost holds Maryland Licensed Residential Appraiser license #20012498 and Delaware Licensed Appraiser license #X3-0010320. Ed Drost holds Maryland State Certified Residential Appraiser license #30004874. Together we provide full bi-state coverage across the Delmarva Peninsula.

A Licensed Residential Appraiser (like Justin Drost) can appraise non-complex residential properties. A Certified Residential Appraiser (like Ed Drost) can appraise all residential properties including complex, high-value, or litigation-related assignments. Both require state licensure, examination, and ongoing continuing education.

Yes. We regularly work with estate attorneys, executors, and probate courts in both Maryland and Delaware. Our estate appraisal reports are formatted to meet court and attorney documentation requirements and can withstand scrutiny in legal proceedings.

A date-of-death appraisal establishes the fair market value of a property as of the exact date a property owner passed away. It is required for estate tax filings, probate court, IRS Form 706, and equitable distribution among heirs. We provide these retroactive appraisals for properties throughout Worcester County, MD and Sussex County, DE.

We can provide retroactive appraisals going back several years depending on data availability. The further back the effective date, the more research is required to establish credible comparable sales from that time period. Contact us with your specific effective date and we will advise on feasibility.

Yes. We specialize in shore market appraisals including oceanfront condos, canal-front homes, vacation rental properties, and bayfront residences throughout Ocean City, MD and Sussex County, DE. Shore market appraisals require deep local knowledge — we bring that expertise to every assignment.

Shore properties have unique value drivers that general appraisers may not fully understand: oceanfront and bayfront premiums, floor level and view impacts in condo buildings, seasonal rental income potential, HOA fee effects on value, and block-by-block proximity differences. Our appraisers know these factors intimately and apply them correctly.

Yes. We provide independent, USPAP-compliant appraisals that meet the documentation standards for Sussex County Delaware property assessment appeal proceedings. A professional appraisal is the most effective and credible tool for challenging an over-assessment.

Yes. We serve the full Delmarva Peninsula — Ocean City, Ocean Pines, Berlin, and Snow Hill in Worcester County, MD, and all 23 zip codes in Sussex County, DE including Rehoboth Beach, Bethany Beach, Fenwick Island, Lewes, Selbyville, Millsboro, Georgetown, and more.