Litigation, Arbitration & Dispute Resolution
Expert Witness & Litigation Valuation for Commercial Real Estate
Independent. Defensible. Prepared for Cross-Examination.
What Makes Valuation Testimony Hold Up
In a commercial real estate dispute, a valuation is only as useful as it is credible — it has to withstand opposing counsel, an opposing expert, and the scrutiny of the trier of fact. SM RE Inc. provides independent appraisal and expert witness services for litigation, arbitration, and mediation involving commercial real estate throughout Southern California.
A litigation valuation succeeds or fails on three points. Independence — the conclusion has to be genuinely neutral, because the first thing opposing counsel probes is whether the expert is an advocate. Documentation — every comparable and adjustment has to be supportable on the stand, not just in the report. And clarity — complex valuation reasoning has to be explained in terms a judge, jury, or arbitrator can follow and trust. A report that is right but cannot be defended plainly does not win the point.
Litigation Services
– 01
Litigation Appraisal
Independent commercial real estate valuations prepared for disputes over ownership interests, damages, partnership conflicts, and property value.
– 02
Appraisal Review & Rebuttal
Evaluation of an opposing appraiser’s report, identifying flawed methodology, unsupported adjustments, and conclusions that do not hold.
– 03
Deposition & Trial Testimony
Expert testimony, declarations, and deposition support, communicating valuation issues clearly to the trier of fact.
– 04
Mediation & Arbitration Support
Valuation analysis supporting negotiated settlements and alternative dispute resolution.
Working with Counsel
Engagements are scoped around the intended use, the relevant effective date — often a retrospective date of loss or damage — and the litigation timeline. Involving a valuation expert early, before positions harden, lets the analysis inform strategy rather than only defend it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you provide deposition and trial testimony?
Yes — engagements are scoped to include declarations, deposition, and trial testimony when counsel requires them. Reports and analysis are prepared to that standard from the outset.
Can you review and rebut an opposing appraisal?
Yes — appraisal review is a defined assignment, and an opposing report can be evaluated for where its methodology or support falls short.
Can you value a property as of a past date?
Yes — litigation often requires a retrospective value as of a date of loss, damage, or another relevant event.
When should counsel bring in a valuation expert?
Earlier is better — early involvement allows the analysis to shape strategy and settlement positions.
Discuss an Expert Witness or Litigation Assignment
SM RE Inc. provides independent appraisal and expert witness services for litigation, arbitration, and mediation involving commercial real estate throughout Southern California.