Choose litigation-experienced appraisers
Not every appraiser is qualified to testify in a condemnation trial. Look for professionals who have been qualified as experts by a South Carolina court, who understand highest-and-best-use analysis, and whose reports have withstood cross-examination.
Prepare for the site visit
Compile deeds, surveys, tax records, prior appraisals, income statements for any commercial use, and photographs of improvements. The more organized the file, the sharper the appraisal.
Understand the three approaches
Appraisers use the sales-comparison, income, and cost approaches. Different property types call for different weighting. Your attorney should understand — and be able to defend — which approach best fits your case at trial.