ABOUT

Crystal MacHale, the esteemed owner of our company, has been a stalwart in the Puget Sound area's appraisal industry for over three decades. Her unwavering commitment to delivering meticulously researched and accurately analyzed appraisal reports in a timely manner is a testament to her expertise and dedication.


At RAINIER APPRAISAL SERVICE, we are not just about meeting client expectations-we are about surpassing them. With our wealth of knowledge and experience, we have provided expert witness testimony, advised realtor groups on VA appraisals, and even shared our insights at mortgage lending classes, all with the aim of enlightening and serving our clients better.

 

Rest assured, our appraisal services are conducted with the utmost professionalism, precision, and efficiency, ensuring a reliable and timely process.


Appraisals are provided for the intended use below; please call to discuss your needs.

  • Estate, Trust and Probate
  • Retrospective Analysis

(effective date in the past)

  • Marriage Dissolution.
  • Expert Witness Testimony
  • Appraisal Reviews
  • Complex Properties
  • Waterfront and View Homes
  • Duplexes, Triplexes and Fourplexes
  • Single Family Home with an

Additional Dwelling Unit

  • Single Family Home with Excess or

Surplus Land

  • Consulting Services
  • Manufactured Home on Owned or

Leased Land (Park)

  • Measuring the Improvements to

ANSI 2021 standards

  • Condominiums
  • Townhomes
  • Land Only
  • PMI removal

FAQs

Got a question? We’re here to help.

  • How long does an appraisal last?

    According to the Federal National Mortgage Association, most appraisals are generally good for 90 days, although this number can vary depending on factors like the type of loan and the current real estate market.


    So why aren’t appraisals good for longer? The answer comes back to the way appraisers determine property value. Appraisers often use comparable sales – similar homes in the area that have sold in the last 6 months, sometimes referred to as “comps” – to calculate a property’s value. Because these comps change based on the real estate market, the value of a property can also change, leading to the need for an updated appraisal.

  • What is a date of death appraisal?

    In addition to the very agonizing process of mourning there's a lot for the executor of a will to do after the death of a spouse, relative or friend. As an executor, you have to work closely with real estate professionals to facilitate the settlement process and most importantly, to fulfill the wishes of the departed loved one as accurately as possible. A date of death appraisal is crucial for the executor when liquidating a home after the owner dies. Such an appraisal requires special expertise so as it can hold up in court, as well as satisfy the 1) United States Treasury Departments Standards, 2) State of Washington laws, 3) IRS Standards, and 4) Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP). Estate and Trust appraisal MUST meet four legal standards. For that reason, it's important that the intricate task be delegated to a highly competent real estate appraiser. For most people, Rainier Appraisal is the go-to firm when the need for an accurate estate appraisal arises.

  • How do I know all the information I give you is private?

    Whether you submit for a quote through my website and/or email or text me, I am bound by USPAP (Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice). There are rules the appraiser must follow. The first is the ethics rule. This includes conduct and confidentiality. You are my client, I will not disclose any information to any other party, unless I receive in writing from you, to do so.

Credible and Defensible

Crystal is committed to maintaining public trust in the industry. I have experienced and licensed apprentices. Please contact me if you need a quality, reliable, and credible report.

OUR CLIENTS SAY

“I'm a retired loan officer and have been very pleased with the fast and accurate appraisals Rainier provides."

Mel Schuckenbrock

“Crystal helped with a retrospective analysis for my father's estate. The attorneys did not question her analysis.”

Randy Baskett

"I was going through a divorce and needed my two homes appraised. Crystal provided me with both and I trust her reports explicitly."

Grant (Last name excluded for personal reasons).

SEE GOOGLE REVIEWS

Reviews from Angi's Leads


From Dustin M. in Issaquah, Washington:


Crystal was fantastic to work with. She went through the house with me efficiently while asking many great questions. She wrote up a full report just a few days later.


From Gwen P. in Auburn, Washington:


I worked exclusively with Ms. Crystal MacHale. Her business was one of about 4 to 5 referred to me for a real property retrospective appraisal. Rainer Appraisal Service, LLC was the first company to contact me. Ms. MacHale was very pleasant, answered all of my questions, and could perform the appraisal in a couple of days. However, I did reach out to other companies who provided quotes, but their dates did not coincide with the needed timeframe. The fees were all about the same. Experience and previous reviews were instrumental in my decision. I enjoyed Ms. MacHale's follow-up and ability to provide a comprehensive report. Thank you, Ms. MacHale for your excellent customer service.