About Real Value Group
An Education Company That Just Happens to Provide Appraisals!
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We love to talk with our clients and educate! Homeowners like you have questions!
You want answers to those questions and getting answers from the typical appraiser can be like pulling teeth!
Homeowners often wonder what the real market value of their home is. Zillow is more than willing to tell you what their algorithms think your home is worth based on almost no knowledge of your home whatsoever, or the specific nature of your home in your specific neighborhood.
When the real and true market value of your home matters to you, you need a well trained human being who understands the nuances of your specific home in your specific neighborhood, not a computer or an algorithm or a highly motivated commissioned sales person telling you how much they think they could sell your home for in the current market.
What somebody will pay for your home today is one thing, what the ‘market’ says it’s worth is where a highly trained and knowledgeable real estate appraiser familiar with your specific area comes in.
Since 2001, mortgage lenders, consumers, attorneys, Realtors, as well as other real estate professionals, have relied on our education, our classes, our appraisal review videos, and of course, our home appraisal expertise, to provide high-quality real estate appraisals on a wide variety of Michigan property in Kent, Ottawa, Barry, Allegan, and Ionia Counties.
By continuously analyzing local real estate trends in those areas and staying current on home valuation techniques through accredited courses, classroom training, in-the-field experience, and extensive testing, our real estate appraisers have been consistently able to produce very credible and reliable home valuations for people like you.
We also take great pride in the time we spend educating our clients and customers about how real estate appraisals work, the story they tell, what their specific appraisal is really saying and also 'not saying', and what a reasonable plan might be for them moving forward.
Located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Blaine Feyen and the Real Value Appraisal team have also become the preferred source for real estate appraisal education, appraisal reviews, legal appraisal work such as divorce appraisals, date of death appraisals, home appraisals for setting up trusts and financial planning, and settling estates.
Blaine and the Real Value Appraisal Group staff have become leaders in the market by being willing to spend any time necessary to talk with clients and customers about their appraisal and the appraisal process.
They have also been leaders in leveraging technology as a high-tech-paperless office, utilizing the latest in tablet technology and software for Appraisers, and mastering screen-casting technology to provide a comprehensive video walk-through of the key points of their appraisals when needed or requested. This has been a vital benefit for homeowners, real estate agents, lenders, and attorneys using our real estate appraiser services as it saves a tremendous amount of time since our clients no longer have to try and guess why we chose a particular comparable sale or where a particular feature of a home might be located on the appraisal.
At Real Value Group, our commitment is simple: give homeowners clarity, confidence, and honest answers. We believe real estate valuation shouldn’t feel confusing or inaccessible, so we take the time to talk with you, explain the process, and ensure you fully understand what your appraisal means—and what it doesn’t.
We’re dedicated to providing transparent, human-driven insight rooted in real experience, not algorithms or sales pressure. When the true market value of your home matters, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Our Commitment
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Our Expertise
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With more than two decades of experience serving Kent, Ottawa, Barry, Allegan, and Ionia Counties, Real Value Group delivers proven, reliable appraisals backed by rigorous education, advanced valuation techniques, and deep knowledge of local market nuances.
Our team combines accredited training, ongoing analysis of market trends, and extensive fieldwork to produce credible valuations for lenders, attorneys, financial planners, Realtors, and homeowners. From traditional home appraisals to divorce, estate, trust, and legal appraisal work—as well as industry-leading appraisal education and review services—we’re recognized for delivering accurate reports, cutting-edge technology, and unmatched clarity through our detailed explanations and video reviews.
© 2025 Real Value Group
Elite Broker Blogs
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Can We Both Use The Same Appraiser During Our Divorce
Can My Spouse and I Use the Same Appraiser in a Divorce?
(Why a Single, Neutral Appraiser May Be the Best Move)
Divorce often comes with tough decisions—especially when it comes to dividing your largest shared asset: the home.
If you and your spouse are trying to keep the process as simple, fair, and affordable as possible, you may be wondering:
“Can we just use the same appraiser instead of hiring two?”
The answer is:
✅ Yes—you absolutely can.
And in many cases, it’s the smartest decision you’ll make during the property division process.
🧾 Why You Might Want to Use the Same Appraiser
Using one mutually agreed-upon appraiser offers several advantages—especially in West Michigan where divorce-related real estate appraisals are common in areas like Grand Rapids, Ada, Rockford, and Kent County.
✅ 1. It Saves Money
Hiring one professional instead of two can save hundreds of dollars. Divorce is already expensive—why double the appraisal cost if you don’t have to?
✅ 2. It Reduces Conflict
Having one neutral, third-party appraiser removes the “he said, she said” dynamic. Instead of battling over whose appraisal is more accurate, you both agree upfront to trust a single expert.
✅ 3. It Speeds Things Up
Coordinating one appraisal is faster than managing two separate reports, reviews, and potential rebuttals. It keeps the momentum going during an already difficult process.
✅ 4. It’s Often Accepted by Courts
If both parties agree on the appraiser and the process is documented properly, courts and attorneys generally accept the resulting valuation as credible and fair.
⚠️ When Using the Same Appraiser Doesn’t Work Well
While using one appraiser is often a great solution, it may not be ideal in every situation—especially if:
The divorce is high-conflict or contested
One party doesn’t trust the other’s choice of appraiser
There’s suspicion of hidden renovations, uneven financial contributions, or disputed ownership
You’re already in litigation or trial
💡 In these cases, it may be better for each spouse to hire their own appraiser—and possibly bring in a third, neutral appraiser to resolve discrepancies.
👨⚖️ What Makes a Good “Joint” Divorce Appraiser?
If you do choose to work with the same appraiser, make sure they:
Have experience in divorce and legal appraisals
Are familiar with local real estate markets in West Michigan
Provide court-defensible, well-documented reports
Remain neutral and transparent throughout the process
Are comfortable working with both spouses and/or attorneys
🧠 Pro Tip: If both parties will be present for the inspection, let the appraiser know in advance and establish communication boundaries to maintain professionalism.
🧠 How It Works Step-by-Step
Agree on an appraiser together
Schedule the appraisal—both parties may attend, or just one
The appraiser inspects the home and reviews local market data
A detailed report is created with the fair market value
That value can be used in negotiations, mediation, or court
If the home will be sold, this helps you set the list price.
If one spouse will stay, it helps determine buyout amounts.
If neither of you want to deal with it, the value helps split equity cleanly.
✅ Final Thoughts
Yes—you and your spouse can absolutely use the same appraiser in a divorce.
And if you're both looking for clarity, fairness, and fewer legal fees, it might be the best decision you make.
In West Michigan, couples going through amicable or mediated divorces often choose to work with one trusted appraiser to avoid unnecessary delays and disputes.
Just make sure you choose someone experienced, local, and familiar with the nuances of family law appraisal work. When done right, it’s one less thing to argue about—and one more step toward resolution.
