602-312-9571One independent value both sides can work from. Full appraisals starting at $500 · Desktop appraisals $150 · About 5 business days.
Firebird Appraisals & Consulting · Gabe Trevizo, Arizona license 22146 · VA designated appraiser · over 20 years appraising Valley homes · Gilbert-based, serving the Phoenix metro and Pinal County (Apache Junction, Maricopa, Casa Grande, San Tan Valley) · USPAP-compliant · fee never depends on value
When a marriage ends, the family home is often the largest asset on the table. Arizona is a community property state, so the value of a home bought during the marriage usually has to be established before it can be divided, bought out, or sold. Whether one spouse keeps the house, you sell and split proceeds, or a mediator needs a number everyone can rely on, an independent appraisal gives you a clear, supported opinion of value.
- Impartial value for the marital home, rentals or second homes
- Current or retrospective values (e.g., the date the petition was served — your attorney confirms the date)
- Joint/neutral engagements, or orders from one spouse, an attorney, mediator, CPA or CDFA
- Plain-English report that documents the reasoning so it holds up to review
Why an independent appraisal matters
Online estimates, assessor values and agent price opinions give a rough idea, but none is a USPAP-compliant appraisal. In a divorce a weak number causes problems both ways:
– Too low: the spouse giving up the home may leave equity behind.
– Too high: the spouse keeping it may overpay in the buyout, or struggle to refinance when the lender’s appraisal comes in lower.
– Disputed: the case can stall while each side hires its own appraiser.
We work for the assignment, not a side
Whoever hires us — both spouses together (often the most cost-effective path), one spouse or their attorney, a mediator, or a financial professional — the analysis is the same. Our fee never depends on the value we report.
Full appraisal or desktop appraisal?
| Full appraisal – starting at $500 | Desktop appraisal – $150 | |
|---|---|---|
| Inspection | Interior & exterior visit, measurements, photos | No site visit; MLS, public records and owner-provided info |
| Best for | Required for contested divorces; high-stakes matters, unique homes, anything where condition matters | Uncontested or informational uses only: early planning, amicable settlements, quick value checks |
| Limits | — | Relies on available data and stated assumptions about condition; not right if condition or size is in dispute |
| Turnaround | About 5 business days after inspection | About 5 business days |
| Not sure which fits? Tell us how the report will be used and who will rely on it, and we will recommend the right scope before you pay anything. |
Contested divorces require a full appraisal. We do not offer desktop appraisals for contested divorces. A $150 desktop appraisal is available only for uncontested or informational purposes, such as when both spouses agree on the home’s condition and just want a neutral number. If one spouse can’t provide access, tell us when ordering and we’ll discuss options with you and the attorneys.
What a full appraisal includes
- Interior/exterior inspection: size, layout, condition, quality, updates, deferred maintenance
- Neighborhood and market analysis for your part of the Valley
- Comparable sales with supported adjustments (pool, lot, garage, views, upgrades, condition)
- Written report with photos, maps and the reasoning behind the value
Appraisal review
If the other side already has an appraisal, our appraisal review and valuation consulting service can give you an independent look at its methods and support. Please note: Firebird does not provide expert witness or court testimony services. If your case is likely to need testimony, discuss that with your attorney before engaging us.
How to prepare
- Attorney/mediator contact and the required effective date
- Major improvements and dates (roof, HVAC, remodels, pool, solar — owned or leased)
- HOA name/fees and any known issues
- Who will provide access; pets, gate codes
FAQ
How long does it take? About 5 business days. Tell us any mediation or hearing date when you order.
How much does it cost? Full appraisals start at $500 (required for contested divorces); desktop appraisals are $150 for uncontested/informational use. Large, complex or retrospective assignments may cost more — we quote before you commit.
Can we use the lender’s appraisal from our refinance? It was prepared for the lender, for a different purpose and date. Most attorneys recommend a separate appraisal for the divorce.
Will the appraiser take sides? No. USPAP requires impartiality and our fee never depends on the value.
Do you appraise rentals or second homes too? Yes — multiple residential properties in one engagement within our service area.
Get a quote
Request a Quote → (address, purpose, effective date, intended users, deadline) · Call 602-312-9571 · Email Orders@firebirdappraisals.com
Related: Non-Lender Appraisals · Estate & Date-of-Death · Pre-Listing · Appraisal Review