Eminent domain proceedings are governed by special
constitutional and statutory rules that involve specific pre-filing
requirements (appraisals, offers, negotiations) and multiple
additional obligations, including those for valuation. Appraisers
are involved in condemnation proceedings from the very beginning
— from the pre-condemnation appraisal supporting an initial
offer and deposit through trial appraisals and court testimony
— and just as the attorneys work within a specific set
of rules during an eminent domain action, so do appraisers.
New and changed legislation can affect the role appraisers play
in eminent domain actions as well as how condemnation valuations
are governed. These laws are often enacted with little fanfare, but
their effect on eminent domain valuations may be substantial.
Attorneys and appraisers need to understand whether specific
legislation has modified what is compensable or whether it has
changed definitions, valuation methods or imposed