Dependable appraisals you can trust.
Get Reliable, Local Probate-Appraisal Services in Birmingham, MI
When you’re settling an estate, navigating a divorce, or preparing to sell a property, knowing your home’s true value is critical. But the appraisal process can feel overwhelming—especially when your situation is already stressful or time-sensitive. Too often, people rely on generic reports or rushed evaluations that don’t reflect the unique value of their Birmingham property.
That lack of detail and attention can lead to major setbacks—missed legal deadlines, undervalued assets, or prolonged disputes with family members, attorneys, or the court. In high-stakes moments, you can’t afford an appraisal that’s just “good enough.”
At Dependable Appraising, we bring over 40 years of experience and deep local knowledge to every report. Marty Kaltenbach has built his career by combining real estate insight with certified appraisal expertise. From the historic homes near Quarton Lake to the newer developments along Maple Road, we understand the Birmingham market inside and out. We deliver detailed, defensible valuations that bring clarity and help you move forward—whether you’re settling an estate or listing your home.
Local Expertise That Brings Clarity When You Need It Most
We proudly serve homeowners throughout Birmingham—from the Baldwin Public Library district to the rail district near Eton Street. Whether you’re navigating a legal process or planning your next financial step, our certified real estate appraiser delivers tailored, accurate reports designed to meet your needs. You’ll get timely service backed by deep market understanding.
Our residential appraisal services include:
- Probate
- Divorce
- Bankruptcy
- For Sale by Owner
- Remodeling
- Consulting
- New Mortgage
- Residential Property Appraisals
- Estate Planning Appraisals
- Pre-Listing Appraisals
- Foreclosure Appraisals
- Investment Property Appraisals
- Tax Appeal Appraisals
- FHA Loan Appraisals
- Historical Property Appraisals
- Litigation Support Appraisals
Helpful Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Appraisal
If you’re preparing for a property appraisal in Birmingham, a little preparation can help make the process smoother and more accurate. Whether it’s a probate-appraisal or pre-sale estimate, our goal is to give you the clearest picture of your home’s value.
- Spruce up curb appeal: First impressions matter—even to appraisers. Tidy landscaping and walkways count.
- Compile documentation: Gather permits, blueprints, or receipts for improvements.
- Make a list of upgrades: Include dates and materials used for major renovations.
- Be available for questions: Your input adds context to what we see onsite.
Every home tells a story, and in a city like Birmingham—known for its blend of historic charm and upscale living—details make the difference. We take time to reflect that in your final report.
Book Your Appraisal Appointment
Fill out the form below to schedule your residential appraisal in Birmingham. We’ll reach out shortly to confirm details and set up a time that works for you.
- This Mark guy is a joke. What the other review says is not a one off. This is a trend with him. I wish more people would take the time to let others know of their experiences with him. DO NOT USE HIM, he will be late, he will have your report late, he will give you tons of excuses and he will cause you tons of headaches.read moreread less
Sheldon C.11/30/2021 - Nicole B.12/11/2009I needed an appraisal for a probate case where the executor grossly had a home undervalued and was attempting to sell it for that low value. Most appraisers I called were either busy, didn’t return calls or just unreachable. Marty called me back within minutes and was out to perform the appraisal 2 days later. He promptly followed up with a fully detailed and well-researched report which allowed me to block the sale and have the home listed for its true value. I can’t think Marty enough.read moreread less
Harold M.11/18/2022Marty delivered his appraisal on time and in a professional manner. The appraisal was exactly as he described and he was very knowledgeable. He is experienced, quite thorough and willing to share knowledge. I would certainly use him again and recommend him to others. Thanks Marty!read moreread less
Wallace G.11/02/2016 - Appraise Real Estate Martin was very pleasant to work with. The appraisal was done in timely manner. He answered all our questions and even added addendum to the report at no extra cost which included marketing tips. He gave us a good advise regarding iupdating the interior when we sell the house. I would recommend Martin if you have the need to get your property apraised.read moreread less
mona s.1/30/2010 - Appraise Real Estate Marty from Dependable Appraising was very thorough and detailed in his final report to me and I would recommend Dependable Appraising for anyone that is looking for a detailed appraisal.read moreread less
Alan S.2/16/2010Needed to find out real value before planning our home improvement. Marty gave us a detailed report helped us out a lot with the bank!read moreread less
lkji k.2/26/2025I needed an appraisal for a private sale and Marty provided a very comprehensive appraisal to me. The purchasers appraisal was very close to what Marty provided. Marty is very professional and thorough in his documentation and comparisons. I would highly recommend Dependable Appraising and will use them in the future if needed.read moreread less
Marie M.3/26/2023 - Appraise Real Estate The appraisal was very thorough, yet not overly time-consuming. Very competent!read moreread less
Lorraine B.8/20/2014Appraise Real Estate Marty delivered his appraisal on time and in a professional manner. The appraisal was exactly as he described and he was very knowledgeable. He is experienced, quite thorough and willing to share knowledge. I would certainly use him again and recommend him to others. Thanks Marty!read moreread less
Wallace G.11/03/2016 - I needed an appraisal ASAP and Marty did not disappoint! He was at my house the day after I requested the appraisal and had the results to me within two days. So very professional and very kind! Thank you Marty!!read moreread less
Denise W.10/11/2022 - I was very impressed with his real estate appraisal as part of my condo purchasing process with the bank. It was accurate, fair, and helpful. This made the loan securing process much less stressful.read moreread less
Ellen K.4/28/2025 - Latorria F.3/05/2020Marty delivered his appraisal on time and in a professional manner. The appraisal was exactly as he described and he was very knowledgeable. He is experienced, quite thorough and willing to share knowledge. I will certainly use him again and recommend him to others. Thanks Marty!read moreread less
Jason P.4/18/2021 - Appraise Real Estate The appraisal was very thorough, yet not overly time-consuming. Very competent!read moreread less
Lorraine B.8/20/2014Appraise Real Estate Prompt response to request/need. Knowledgeable about residential appraising. Expert without attitude.read moreread less
Michael R.5/23/2019Appraise Real Estate Marty delivered his appraisal on time and in a professional manner. The appraisal was exactly as he described and he was very knowledgeable. He is experienced, quite thorough and willing to share knowledge. I would certainly use him again and recommend him to others. Thanks Marty!read moreread less
Wallace G.11/03/2016 - I was in need of an appraiser on a short notice in order to refute a "Notice of Assessment" that I had received from the city that I reside in. Martin took on the job on a very short notice. He was on time, very thorough and professional. With his help I was able to successfully appeal the tax increase that the city was trying to place on my property.read moreread less
Sure H.5/26/2024I highly recommend dependable appraising! Marty gave us a good, fair, fast home appraisal as part of my family's financial restructuring work. He walked through the house, took detailed notes, and listened to our descriptions of work that had been done in the house. He also chose comparable houses that made sense for our neighborhood. We are very happy with his services. Thanks again Marty!read moreread less
Jasmine K.4/28/2025We scheduled our appointment for the inspection of two properties in Hudson County for July 8, 2020. Mark Radko called just before the set time to advise he was running very late. Since the buildings I asked him to appraise are an hour-ride from where I live, I said I would wait for him because I needed to have the appraisals done as soon as possible. He arrived 3 hours late. After completing both property inspections, I paid him in full by check that day as customary for this service.During our initial phone call, Mark assured me he would have both appraisals finished "in a couple of days." Since the inspections, via a string of texts and emails over the past months rendering promises - "I'll be working on it today, it will be in sometime tonight or tomorrow morning" - I did receive one of the two appraisals on August 24, 2020, 47 days after the inspection. I am still waiting for the second appraisal as of today, September 10, 2020, and it has been 63 days.I would not recommend Mark Radko's service. His business seems to be a misnomer, for it is certainly not 'dependable' if clients need to chase for paid reports.UPDATE 9/11/2020: I did receive the second appraisal. Both PDF documents, in my opinion, are relevant and complete.read moreread less
Sonya M.9/12/2020 - Pat H.8/19/2009
- Appraise Real Estate Prompt response to request/need. Knowledgeable about residential appraising. Expert without attitude.read moreread less
Michael R.5/23/2019
