North Carolina Eminent Domain Lawyers

Understanding Eminent Domain Appraisal Process 

The Law requires that the Government pay just compensation for taking private property for public use. The Government uses appraisals to support its determination of the number of damages to be offered or paid into the court as a deposit; this is to obtain a taking. It is customary for the appraiser to get in touch with the property owner during the appraisal process. In addition to providing property information and the use of the property, the appraiser must also address any special circumstances that should be taken into account when determining the appropriate measure of damages. Please keep in mind that the Government’s appraiser works for the Government. When evaluating the Government’s offer, you have every right to consult your appraiser to determine the appropriate measure of damages.

Accordingly, the appraiser is responsible for determining the highest and best use of a property. As a general rule, it is defined as “The reasonably probable and legal use of vacant land or an improved property, which is physically possible; appropriately supported, financially feasible, and that results in the highest value.” Under North Carolina law, the following three appraisal approaches are recognized.

1. Sales Comparison Approach
2. Cost Approach
3. Income Capitalization Approach.