Business Details
34 Years
experience
Expert Real Estate Appraisal Services in Paw Paw, MI
Established in 1992, our firm brings over three decades of specialized expertise to real estate valuation in Southwest Michigan. We deliver precise, court-defensible appraisals for diverse scenarios including estate settlements, divorce proceedings, bankruptcy cases, tax appeals, and mortgage transactions. Our services cater to both lender and non-lender clients, with reports tailored to specific client needs while maintaining strict adherence to professional standards. Certified by the State of Michigan and FHA-approved, we serve Van Buren, Kalamazoo, Northern Cass, and Southern Allegan counties.Our three-stage tax appeal program has demonstrated consistent success before local assessors and state tribunals. With experience in high-value residential properties, lakefront estates, and small commercial buildings, we combine technical proficiency with deep regional market knowledge to deliver actionable insights for informed decision-making.
Services
Estate Valuation
Divorce Settlement
Bankruptcy Appraisals
Tax Appeal Services
Mortgage Appraisals
Residential Property Valuation
Condo Appraisals
Vacant Land Assessment
High Value Homes
Small Commercial Properties
Details
- Year established: 1992
Highlights and features
- 33+ years of Southwest Michigan real estate market expertise
- Court-tested appraisal reports admissible in legal proceedings
- Specialized three-stage tax appeal program with proven success
- Direct client collaboration for non-lender valuation requirements
- FHA-approved appraisals meeting federal lending standards
Associations and certifications
- State of Michigan Certified Residential Real Estate Appraiser
- FHA Approved
Services
Estate Valuation
We provide precise property valuations for estate settlements, supporting attorneys and accountants with court-admissible reports. Our certified appraisals assist with IRS requirements and family property buyouts. With over 30 years of experience, we ensure accurate valuations that withstand legal scrutiny while maintaining sensitivity during difficult transitions.
Tax Appeal Services
Our three-stage tax appeal program delivers measurable results through documented market analysis and tribunal-tested presentations. We prepare comprehensive reports for local assessors and state tax boards, leveraging deep regional expertise to maximize reduction potential. Clients benefit from our proven track record in securing favorable tax adjustments across Southwest Michigan.
Residential Appraisals
We offer FHA-approved valuations for starter homes to executive estates, including lakefront properties and high-value residences. Our appraisals incorporate market trends and property-specific factors to determine accurate values. Clients receive detailed reports meeting lending requirements while providing clear insights into property worth for purchase or sale decisions.
Divorce Settlement
Our certified appraisals provide objective valuations for real estate division during divorce proceedings. We prepare court-ready documentation and offer expert testimony when required. With extensive experience in family law matters, we help clients establish fair market values that withstand judicial review while maintaining impartiality throughout the process.
Small Commercial Properties
We assess mixed-use buildings and apartment complexes with 2-20 units, delivering narrative reports that capture market nuances. Our valuations consider income potential and property condition to support lending decisions. Clients receive detailed analyses tailored to commercial financing requirements while maintaining the same rigorous standards as residential appraisals.
People
James E. Zerbi
Certified Residential Appraiser
With over 30 years of experience, James Zerbi holds Michigan state certification and FHA approval for residential appraisals. He specializes in court-admissible valuations and tax appeals across Southwest Michigan. His expertise spans estate settlements, divorce proceedings, and complex property types.
Questions
What types of appraisal services do you offer?
We provide estate valuations, divorce settlement appraisals, tax appeal services, mortgage valuations, and commercial property assessments. Our expertise includes high-value homes, lakefront properties, and small commercial buildings across Southwest Michigan.
Can you work directly with homeowners instead of lenders?
Yes, we frequently collaborate directly with homeowners for PMI removal, tax appeals, and pre-sale valuations. Our reports meet lending requirements while providing clear, objective property assessments tailored to individual client needs.
How do you handle tax appeal appraisals?
Our three-stage tax appeal program includes initial assessment, assessor negotiation, and tribunal presentation. We prepare detailed market analyses and present findings directly to review boards, leveraging our proven success in securing property tax reductions.
What information affects appraisal fees?
Fees depend on property complexity, location, and report requirements. We provide customized quotes after discussing your specific needs during initial consultation to ensure transparent pricing for all valuation services.
Are your appraisals valid for legal proceedings?
Yes, our certified appraisals meet courtroom standards and have been successfully used in estate settlements, divorce cases, and tax tribunal hearings. We maintain strict documentation protocols to ensure legal defensibility for all valuation reports.
Reviews (2)
Kc
Jan 24, 2020
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Having worked with Town and Country on appraisals, I found Mr. Zerbi to be very professional and knowledgeable. His price was very fair and he explained every step of the process and the regulations that are required by law. When I need another appraisal, I will use Town and Country again.
Jeff Landry
Jun 19, 2019
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Terrible!!!
Jim Zerby is a joke! He takes forever to complete the appraisal, 4.5 weeks to be exact. His comps don't even make sense. He has an archaic view of the market and does not seem to be living in the modern world. He made my family very uncomfortable while in our home. Weird vibes! Weird dude! Do not allow him to appraise your home, you will regret it if he does.
Jim Zerby is a joke! He takes forever to complete the appraisal, 4.5 weeks to be exact. His comps don't even make sense. He has an archaic view of the market and does not seem to be living in the modern world. He made my family very uncomfortable while in our home. Weird vibes! Weird dude! Do not allow him to appraise your home, you will regret it if he does.
