Our team of right-of-way/easement appraisal specialists has a great deal of experience in completing appraisals for right-of-way and easement acquisitions ranging from simple strip easements to complicated partial takings. We have completed hundreds of assignments for projects which received federal, state, and local agency funding. Regardless of the funding source or the complexity of the assignment, we follow the Uniform Act, and the appraisals are developed and prepared within the framework of the appropriate guidelines—whether it be the Federal Land Acquisition “Yellow Book” standards, or the Illinois or Missouri Land Acquisition Manuals.

 

For us, the appraisal review is not just a “rubber stamp” phase of the Land Acquisition/Easement process, but rather serves as an additional layer of assurance that the Uniform Act is followed properly as not to jeopardize the project’s funding. Our goal as review appraisers is not to bog the process down with minutia, but to make sure the valuation process is sound, that the critical aspects of the property before and after the partial taking are considered and that the appraisal is properly reported. We understand that the Appraisal Review is an important step, but that the review must be turned around quickly so that it doesn’t delay the project.

 

The negotiation phase of a project can be the most time consuming of all the phases. We bring our knowledge of the valuation process to the negotiating table which provides the property owner with a better understanding of how the just compensation offer to them was developed. Treating the property owners with respect and professionalism helps pave the way for successful negotiations.