Whether you’re buying your “forever home” or investing in commercial property, you’re typically planning for the long term with no plans to sell. Unfortunately, if your property is located in a prime location near the city center, there’s always the chance that your local government will condemn it to clear the area for new infrastructure or civic projects. You might not be able to “fight city hall,” but you still have rights, and our team at Ferstl Valuation Services is here to help!
We’ve proudly offered trusted real estate appraisals in Little Rock since 1967, and J.T. Ferstl, MAI, is an Arkansas-licensed attorney who’s also certified in Louisiana, Tennessee, and Oklahoma. We also offer trial preparation services and expert witness testimony as needed in eminent domain disputes. We’ve served as real estate expert witnesses in some of the most technical and complex cases, and we’re always a phone call away when you’d like to evaluate your options.
The Fifth Amendment of the United States Constitution guarantees your right to fair compensation; if you disagree with the government’s valuation, your first step should be to schedule an independent professional appraisal to determine the property’s fair market value. Property values can often appreciate significantly in rapidly developing communities, and the appraisal process typically takes around two weeks to complete. And if you’re headed to court, we’re also happy to back up our appraisal reports with expert witness and rebuttal testimony.
You can always count on the government showing up with an entire team of attorneys, and we’re here to ensure that you don’t find yourself “outlawyered.” Expert witnesses are individuals with specific technical knowledge, and they prepare detailed reports that both the plaintiff’s and defendant’s attorneys will see during discovery. They also frequently testify in contract disputes, divorce proceedings, and property tax settlements. And if you’ll be taking the stand yourself, we’ll see to it that you’re properly prepared for cross-examination. Expert witnesses are questioned by attorneys on both sides of the case, and can speak only to their area of expertise as instructed. An expert witness cannot serve as your advocate or negotiator, but you can and should hire someone for that role.
To learn more about expert witness testimony or Little Rock real estate appraisal services, contact us online or at 501-375-1439.
