It’s always exciting when your local community decides to build new roads, bridges, and other essential infrastructure, but progress always comes with a price. If your home or commercial property is located in an area under consideration for a municipal project, the government (or third-party agencies acting on its behalf) has the right to seize or condemn it so construction can begin. But if they don’t offer you a fair price for it, our team at Ferstl Valuation Services is here to help!
We’ve been offering trusted real estate appraisals in Little Rock since 1967, and we’re also certified appraisers in Louisiana, Tennessee, and Oklahoma. J.T. Ferstl, MAI, is an Arkansas-bar-licensed attorney, and our services also include trial preparation and expert witness testimony. The Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution mandates that property owners are paid “just compensation” when their homes or lands are taken for public use, and you have the right to dispute the government’s valuation in court. Give us a call whenever you’d like to discuss your options, and we’ll begin by scheduling an independent appraisal to establish the property’s current fair market value.
Expert witnesses in eminent domain cases begin by preparing a detailed report that both the plaintiff and the defendant will see during discovery. In many cases, they may also be called to testify under oath. Expert witnesses can speak only to their area of expertise as instructed, and their report is expected to represent an accurate and impartial opinion. The expert witness cannot act as your advocate or negotiator, but you can and should hire someone to act in that role.
It’s often said that “You can’t fight City Hall,” and you can count on the agency or municipality that you’ll be dealing with showing up to court with an entire team of high-priced legal talent. But you have rights, and we’re here to ensure that you don’t get “outlawyered.” We have nearly six decades of experience with eminent domain cases and other types of property disputes, and we’re ready to put our experience to work for you! If you have any questions about expert witness testimony or Little Rock real estate appraisal services, contact us online or at 501-375-1439.
