Greater Hartford's Real Estate Counselor

Expert Witness

Expert Witness: Knowing the Property Better than Anyone
by Isaac Peck, Associate Editor

There is one business-related element of appraising that typically leads to more income, more interesting assignments, and more choice: diversification.

Most successful appraisers agree that diversification is key to growing an appraisal business. Building a steady stream of non-lender clients is a great way to enjoy greater choice and to stay busy during the inevitable "down" lending cycles. Non-lender work tends to pay more than typical appraisal work and many find the assignments more interesting and rewarding.

Marc Gottesdiener, involved in real estate for 40 years, has worked as an appraiser litigation consultant, and expert witness since the early 1990s. His experience gives him a firm handle on what the work involves and how to do it well. Here is some advice for appraisers interested in pursuing non-lender work as a consultant and expert witness

Greater Hartford's Real Estate Counselor

In 1977, Marc Gottesdiener began his career as a Realtor Associate; two years later, he was a licensed Realtor and a licensed Broker. During the 1980s, Marc worked as a certified real estate appraiser (RCG#246). His record has been exemplary - that is, there have been no claims ever made against his license. Strict adherence to Uniform Standards of Professional Practice (USPAP) has built Marc's reputation for integrity, accuracy, and due diligence.

As a leader in his field, Marc has owned and/or managed numerous residential properties in the Greater Hartford area and surrounding towns, as well as out-of-state venues in Westerly, Rhode Island, and Springfield, Massachusetts. Serving as a property manager with a "hands-on" style, he has extensive knowledge and experience in tenant/landlord matters and disputes; directing repairs, maintenance, and rehabilitation; cost analysis, valuation, and budgeting; and composing rental listings and leases.

Marc and his company have sold numerous properties in Connecticut and other states. Highlights include a $10,000 building lot(1st sale) on the Farmington River in Avon) and an $8.2 million 292 unit apartment complex & adjoining strip shopping center in 1985. Marc handled this transaction in Meriden, representing buyer Charles H. Kaman of Kaman Corporation, who was searching for a real estate tax shelter for investment.

Marc is licensed to perform residential and commercial appraisals. He has provided expert court testimony in all eight Connecticut counties. In addition, Marc routinely works with the Connecticut Superior Court in providing appraisals and court testimony for various property matters, foreclosures, divorce, bankruptcy, partition suits, and other litigious matters. His firm provides representation as a local property manager for landlords from other states. In several difficult real estate situations, Marc has worked to negotiate settlements and provide creative solutions.

Marc Gottesdiener is a consultant for investing and developing real estate. For more than two decades, he has testified in many court matters concerning property valuation involving various types of residential & commercial properties and litigious situations, with an excellent track record and terrific results for his clients.