Dependable appraisals you can trust.
Get Accurate, Trusted Probate-Appraisal Services in Oak Park, MI
We know how difficult it can be to make financial decisions when emotions are already running high. Whether you’re handling a loved one’s estate, going through a divorce, or facing foreclosure, knowing the real value of your property can make all the difference. But not all appraisals are created equal—especially during sensitive life events when accuracy and integrity matter most.
That’s where issues tend to arise. Some appraisers rush through the process. Others lack the experience needed to navigate the specifics of probate or litigation support. This leads to disputes, delays, and costly missteps. When you’re already dealing with complex legal or financial matters, the last thing you need is added uncertainty.
With over 40 years of experience, we at Dependable Appraising offer the skill and personal insight to deliver precise valuations with integrity. Marty Kaltenbach, our certified real estate appraiser, brings decades of firsthand knowledge from both real estate and appraisal industries. Whether you’re settling an estate or preparing to sell your home in Oak Park, MI, we bring clarity, professionalism, and reliable support when you need it most.
Real Value, Real Support—Where and When You Need It
When life calls for a trusted valuation, we’re ready to help. We provide full-service residential appraisals across Oak Park, including neighborhoods near David H. Shepherd Park, Oak Park Blvd, and Coolidge Highway. Whether you’re preparing to sell or settle an estate, our services are tailored to fit your specific needs. As a certified real estate appraiser, Marty Kaltenbach combines decades of hands-on experience with a commitment to service you won’t find elsewhere.
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 for Appraisals That Actually Help You
Before scheduling a property appraisal, it helps to know what to expect. Many homeowners in Oak Park don’t realize how much small things can impact their property’s perceived value. A little prep goes a long way—and knowing what appraisers look for can help you avoid surprises.
- Declutter the interior: A tidy space helps appraisers move freely and get a clear view of condition and layout.
- List your updates: Make a written list of renovations or upgrades and their completion dates.
- Secure access to all areas: Ensure crawl spaces, garages, basements, and attics are easy to access.
- Know your comps: Familiarize yourself with recent home sales in your neighborhood for context.
Good prep leads to better outcomes. Whether you’re handling a probate-appraisal or planning a sale, it’s our goal to make the process easy and transparent from the first call.
Request Your Property Appraisal Today
Fill out the form below to schedule your residential appraisal in Oak Park. We’ll get back to you quickly to discuss your needs and set up a convenient time.
- a h.8/20/2014Appraise Real Estate Courteous, prompt, professional. M. Kaltenbach did a through job and I would highly recommend Dependable appraising.read moreread less
Sarah R.9/10/2009Appraise 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 - Latorria F.3/05/2020Pat H.8/19/2009I 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.5/26/2024 - Appraise Real Estate Very professional, quick, and reasonably priced. Thank You, Very Good Job.read moreread less
Dan M.2/20/2011I 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.4/28/2025 - Prompt response to request/need. Knowledgeable about residential appraising. Expert without attitude.read moreread less
Michael R.5/22/2019 - 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.11/30/2021We 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 - I 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.11/18/2022Appraise 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 - Appraise Real Estate The appraisal was very thorough, yet not overly time-consuming. Very competent!read moreread less
Lorraine B.8/20/2014 - I 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.3/26/2023Using Dependable Appraising was great experience. Marty was very professional, informative and prompt during our business. I had to have my house appraised for a divorce and hiring him gave me one less thing to worry about. Thanks again Marty!read moreread less
Kevin F.8/11/2018Marty 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 - 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.11/02/2016 - Appraise 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
