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How Appraisers Bring Human Insight to the Most Unique Homes in the Country
by Chad Barker, CEO of Velox Valuations
When most people think of appraisals, they envision spreadsheets, square footage, and a bottom-line number. The process often appears clinical—an analysis grounded in formulas, market comparisons, and condition checklists. But for many appraisers, especially those working in today’s dynamic and varied housing market, the job goes well beyond calculations. Appraisers are not only analysts; they are observers, listeners, and sometimes, quiet witnesses to the stories homes tell.
At Velox Valuations, a national appraisal firm founded in 2020, bringing the human element into our work is critical. Our company has built its reputation on balancing data-driven methodology with on-the-ground understanding of context—be it historical, emotional, or architectural. Our team of certified appraisers spans the country and has tackled assignments ranging from complex urban properties to remote, unconventional homes that defy traditional comparison.
Objectivity and Nuance
The appraiser’s task is, at its core, to produce an unbiased opinion of value. But as real estate continues to evolve, and as properties increasingly reflect personal, cultural, or historical narratives, objectivity must coexist with awareness. For example, appraising a mid-century modern home designed by a noted architect presents different challenges than appraising a recently built tract home. Similarly, a residence with notoriety, such as one associated with a newsworthy event or public figure, introduces sensitivities that go beyond market comps.
One example includes our appraisal work on the Fox Hollow Farm property in Indiana—a home known not just for its architecture, but for its connection to a criminal investigation that has since been revisited in a popular documentary. In such instances, appraisers are tasked with more than market research. They must navigate legal, emotional, and even ethical dimensions, all while ensuring their valuation remains consistent with professional standards.
Even when dealing with difficult or high-profile properties, we follow these same principles. The difference lies in how we approach each situation, with empathy, discretion, and a commitment to accuracy. This type of nuanced approach is crucial not just for publicized homes, but for properties that may carry private significance to the homeowner, such as generational homes passed down through a family, or those with custom features crafted over decades.
The Challenge of the Unusual
Across the appraisal industry, one of the most persistent challenges is evaluating properties that don’t fit easily into the mold. From off-the-grid cabins to multimillion-dollar estates, homes that lack recent, relevant comparables require a more investigative process. Appraisers often need to dig into archival data, examine zoning records, speak with local historians, or interview contractors to understand unique attributes.
One of our appraisers recently recalled traveling to a remote home perched atop a mountain ridge, only reachable via private cable car. “There were no direct comparables within 50 miles,” the appraiser said. “It came down to understanding the appeal of the location, the design, and the type of buyer who would value that lifestyle.”
Appraising historic properties introduces another layer of complexity. In addition to accounting for preservation restrictions or specialized materials, appraisers must analyze how these factors influence value in their specific market. In some areas, historical status increases appeal; in others, it may limit buyers due to maintenance concerns or regulatory limitations.
Even newer homes can pose a challenge, particularly when built with unconventional materials or layouts. As custom building becomes more popular, appraisers are increasingly required to assess unique spaces that may not align with regional norms.
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Serving Homeowners With Clarity
While high-profile properties tend to draw headlines, most appraisal assignments involve far more everyday scenarios. These include refinancing, estate planning, divorce settlements, tax appeals, or pre-listing valuations. For homeowners, these are often emotionally or financially significant moments, and an accurate appraisal can provide both clarity and confidence.
At Velox, we emphasize the importance of communication in these situations. Appraisers often provide opportunities for clients to ask questions before or after the report is delivered. It’s part of a broader effort to interpret the process and help homeowners feel informed, not intimidated. No matter the project, our goal is to ensure the homeowner understands what’s behind the number. It’s not just about value—it’s about what that value represents in the context of a decision they’re making.
This educational element has become increasingly important in an era when property values fluctuate more rapidly, and when public access to online valuation tools can sometimes lead to confusion or unrealistic expectations. By offering transparency around how appraisals are conducted—what influences value, what doesn’t, and why— appraisers provide a critical service beyond the scope of the report itself.
Technology Meets Human Insight
Modern appraisal practices are increasingly supported by technology, from digital measurement tools to market analytics platforms. At Velox, we leverage these advancements to improve consistency and turnaround time, particularly for complex or rural properties. But no algorithm can fully replace professional judgment, particularly in cases where the story behind a home is central to its appeal.
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the use of remote and hybrid appraisal methods, especially for mortgage lending. While useful in some contexts, there remains a strong case for in-person assessments, especially when valuing properties with hard-to-capture nuances or when dealing with unique land features and lot configurations.
Experienced appraisers are often able to identify subtle factors that could influence value, such as deferred maintenance that might not show up in photos, or a view corridor that elevates a property’s desirability. Likewise, they are equipped to recognize potential over-improvements or functional obsolescence that could impact market appeal, despite recent upgrades.
Valuing America, One Home at a Time
The phrase “We Value America” may sound aspirational, but it reflects a core philosophy within the appraisal profession: that every property, no matter how ordinary or extraordinary, has worth. And that worth is not only monetary—it’s personal, historical, even cultural.
In a country as diverse as the U.S., housing markets are as varied as the landscapes they inhabit. From brownstones in Brooklyn, to adobe homes in New Mexico, to lake cottages in Michigan and sprawling ranches in Texas, no two properties are truly alike. Appraisers serve as connectors between the property and the market, translating each home’s story into a number that helps owners, buyers, lenders, and legal professionals make informed decisions.
At its best, the appraisal process doesn’t just reflect the market, it honors the individuality of a home. By combining rigor with respect, and precision with perspective, today’s appraisers help bring depth and context to a profession that continues to evolve alongside the homes and the people they serve.
About the Author
Chad Barker is the CEO of Velox Valuations, a national real estate appraisal firm celebrating its fifth anniversary in 2025. Under his leadership, Velox has expanded rapidly through corporate growth and a newly launched franchise model, now available in 48 states. Barker remains committed to empowering appraisers through a scalable, sustainable business model, recently introducing a Veterans Franchising Program to support veteran entrepreneurs. His vision continues to drive Velox’s success and impact within the evolving appraisal industry.
OREP Insurance Services, LLC. Calif. License #0K99465