Terms and conditions for using our services
Last Updated: January 1, 2025
These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your use of the Schumacher Appraisal website and services. By accessing our website or engaging our services, you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree, please do not use our website or services.
Schumacher Appraisal provides professional residential real estate appraisal services throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. Our services include property valuations for various purposes including lending, refinancing, estate settlement, divorce proceedings, and other legitimate appraisal needs.
All appraisals are conducted in accordance with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP), applicable state regulations, and professional ethical standards. Our appraisers are licensed by the State of California and maintain continuing education requirements.
Requests for appraisal services constitute an inquiry only. Service engagement begins when we provide a written quote and receive your acceptance and any required deposit or payment. We reserve the right to decline any engagement at our discretion.
Appraisal fees are determined based on property type, complexity, location, and intended use. Payment terms will be specified in your service agreement. Standard payment terms include:
If you need to cancel an appraisal after the order has been accepted, cancellation fees may apply if work has already commenced. Any deposits paid may be non-refundable if the appraiser has already invested time in the assignment.
The client is responsible for arranging property access for inspection. Failure to provide timely access may result in delays or additional fees. The appraiser must have access to all areas of the property necessary to complete the appraisal.
Standard turnaround time is 7-10 business days from the date of property inspection. Rush services may be available for an additional fee. Delays may occur due to circumstances beyond our control, including but not limited to property access issues, data availability, or unusual property characteristics.
The appraisal report is prepared for the specific client and intended use stated in the engagement agreement. The report may not be used for any other purpose or by any other party without the appraiser's written consent. Unauthorized distribution or use of the report is prohibited.
Appraisal reports reflect market conditions as of the effective date of the appraisal. The value conclusion may not be valid for other dates. If an updated appraisal is needed, a new engagement and fee will be required.
An appraisal is an opinion of value, not a guarantee or warranty. The appraised value may differ from the actual sale price, tax assessed value, or other valuation opinions. Market conditions can change, affecting property values.
While we strive for accuracy, we rely on information provided by third parties, including public records, MLS data, property owners, and other sources. We are not responsible for errors in such third-party information, though we exercise reasonable care in verification.
An appraisal is not a home inspection, structural engineering report, or environmental assessment. Appraisers are not required to discover or report hidden defects, code violations, or hazardous conditions. A separate home inspection is recommended for property condition assessment.
Our liability for any claims arising from our services is limited to the amount of fees paid for the specific appraisal in question. We are not liable for consequential, indirect, or special damages. This limitation applies to the fullest extent permitted by law.
We maintain confidentiality of client information and property details in accordance with professional standards and applicable law. However, we may be required to disclose information pursuant to legal process, regulatory requirements, or professional obligations.
All content on our website, including text, graphics, logos, and images, is the property of Schumacher Appraisal or its content providers and is protected by copyright and trademark laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, or create derivative works without our written permission.
You agree not to:
We strive to maintain website availability but do not guarantee uninterrupted access. The website may be unavailable due to maintenance, updates, or circumstances beyond our control.
Our website may contain links to third-party websites for your convenience. We do not endorse or assume responsibility for the content, products, or services of these external sites. Use of third-party websites is at your own risk.
These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of California, without regard to conflict of law provisions. Any disputes will be resolved in the courts of California.
Any disputes arising from our services may be subject to binding arbitration in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association, at our election. The arbitration will be conducted in the San Francisco Bay Area.
You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Schumacher Appraisal, its officers, employees, and agents from any claims, damages, or expenses arising from your use of our website or services, your violation of these Terms, or your violation of any rights of another party.
If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable or invalid, that provision will be limited or eliminated to the minimum extent necessary, and the remaining provisions will remain in full force and effect.
We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. Changes will be effective when posted on this page with an updated "Last Updated" date. Your continued use of our website or services after changes constitutes acceptance of the modified Terms.
These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy and any specific service agreements, constitute the entire agreement between you and Schumacher Appraisal regarding use of our website and services.
For questions about these Terms of Service, please contact us:
Schumacher Appraisal
Email: [email protected]
Phone: Available upon request
Location: San Francisco Bay Area, California