.png)
When to Get a Second Opinion: How a Rebuttal Appraisal Can Change the Outcome
Most people assume an appraisal is the final word on value. It’s printed, signed, and sent off as if it’s indisputable. But in high-stakes situations—litigation, divorce, estate disputes, or tax appeals—that first appraisal might not tell the whole story.
If something feels off or incomplete, you’re not stuck with it. You can get a second opinion.
That’s where a rebuttal appraisal—or review appraisal—can change everything.
What is a rebuttal appraisal, and when do you need one?
A rebuttal appraisal is a professional review or counter-valuation prepared in response to an existing appraisal. It’s not about being combative—it’s about making sure the valuation is accurate, well-supported, and fair for the situation at hand.
You might need a rebuttal if:
- The original report favors one party in a legal case
- The adjustments seem arbitrary or poorly explained
- Key comparables were ignored or misused
- The valuation date doesn’t match the legal timeline
- You’re being asked to rely on a report that feels incomplete or biased
We often see this in divorce and estate cases, where one party introduces an appraisal and the other feels blindsided. They know the number doesn’t reflect reality—but they don’t know how to challenge it.
That’s where we come in.
What does a good rebuttal actually do?
A strong rebuttal doesn’t just say, “this is wrong.” It shows how and why—with data, logic, and clear methodology.
At Bernhardt Appraisal, we approach rebuttal assignments with the same professionalism and neutrality as any original report. Our goal isn’t to “undo” someone else’s work out of opinion—it’s to evaluate whether that work meets the standards of the situation.
In a typical rebuttal, we’ll:
- Review the original appraisal for completeness and USPAP compliance
- Identify any unsupported assumptions, inconsistencies, or errors
- Highlight comparable sales that were overlooked
- Provide a second opinion that either confirms or challenges the conclusion—with clear explanation
Sometimes we agree with the original value, but not how it was presented. Other times, the issues are significant enough to warrant a full new appraisal.
Either way, the result is the same: clarity.
Why courts and attorneys rely on rebuttal appraisals
In legal settings, both sides often present expert opinions. The strength of each report can influence negotiation, shape mediation, or even impact how a judge rules.
A weak appraisal can fall apart under cross-examination. A strong rebuttal—especially one that calmly, clearly highlights where the original falls short—can shift momentum.
We’ve seen it happen.
Sometimes it’s a matter of one flawed comp. Sometimes it’s a pattern of biased adjustments. Either way, a rebuttal gives your legal team a better position from which to argue.
And often, it helps both parties come to a more balanced agreement—before things escalate further.
Not every appraisal needs a second opinion. But when it does, it matters.
We always advise clients to trust their instincts. If something in the appraisal doesn’t add up, or if the process felt rushed or unclear, you’re probably not imagining it.
Getting a second opinion isn’t about being difficult. It’s about being informed.
Especially when that appraisal is being used to divide assets, defend a tax position, or settle a dispute, a single number can carry serious consequences. Make sure that number is one you can stand behind.
At Bernhardt Appraisal, we’re not here to create conflict. We’re here to provide clarity—and sometimes, that means being the second set of eyes that helps everyone get it right.
