Licensed in 14 states. Recognized by Fannie Mae for non-standard residential methodology.
Your Home Isn't Conventional.
Your Appraisal
Shouldn't Be.
Earth-sheltered homes require a specialist who understands thermal mass, below-grade moisture dynamics, and how to find valid comps when none exist.
of earth-sheltered homes are undervalued by traditional appraisals
Conventional appraisers default to cost-minus-depreciation when no comps exist — systematically underreporting the thermal efficiency premium and structural longevity of below-grade construction.
average equity left on the table per property
Across 340 earth-sheltered appraisals completed since 2006, the gap between a conventional estimate and a specialist-documented value averages $114,000 — money that vanishes at closing or in refinancing.
certified appraisers in the U.S. specialize in below-grade residential
The Appraisal Institute has no formal designation for earth-sheltered homes. Of roughly 78,000 licensed appraisers nationally, fewer than three actively maintain the case history, methodology, and court-defensible documentation required for these properties.
Three situations where a generalist fails and a specialist doesn't.
Property Owners
Preparing to sell or refinance
"Your lender's appraiser has never seen a home with three walls underground. They guessed. The number came in $90,000 below your last refinance."
A defensible, court-ready appraisal documenting your thermal mass premium, structural longevity, and the correct comparable methodology — so you capture what you built.
Mortgage Lenders
Loans that conventional appraisers won't touch
"You've been burned before. An appraiser used a split-level ranch as a comp for a fully subterranean home. The loan closed. The value was wrong. You need someone who won't guess."
Methodology that satisfies Fannie Mae's non-standard property guidelines. Documented comp selection rationale. A report that holds up to underwriter scrutiny.
Real Estate Attorneys
Estate settlements and litigation support
"The deceased owned a bermed home built in 1979. There are no comps within 40 miles. The estate is contested. You need an expert witness, not a guess."
Certified expert witness testimony. Methodology documentation. Date-of-death valuations. Full litigation support from initial appraisal through deposition.
Precision built for properties
that resist easy answers.
Site Documentation
Day 1–2On-site inspection covering earth coverage depth, drainage systems, thermal mass materials, glazing orientation, and mechanical integration. Photographs, measurements, and structural observations documented to USPAP standards.
Comparable Search Protocol
Day 3–5Extended geographic search using MLS, county records, and a proprietary database of 340+ earth-sheltered transactions. When direct comps don't exist within reasonable range, we apply paired-sales analysis to isolate the below-grade premium.
Adjustment Methodology
Day 5–7Energy cost differential modeling, insurance cost analysis, and market reaction studies document the adjustments. Every adjustment is supported by data — not opinion. This is what holds up in underwriting and in court.
Report Delivery
Day 8–10URAR-compliant report with addenda covering non-standard methodology. Includes a plain-language summary for lenders unfamiliar with earth-sheltered properties, and a technical appendix for attorneys requiring expert witness documentation.
Availability is limited. A maximum of 6 appraisals are accepted per month to maintain report quality. Current wait: 2–3 weeks.
The work begins
the moment you book.
Select a consultation date below. After booking, you'll receive a pre-inspection questionnaire covering your property's construction type, earth coverage percentage, and any prior appraisal history.
Weekdays only. Initial consultation is a 30-minute call to review property details before scheduling the on-site inspection.
Select a date on the calendar to continue with your property details.
Get the Earth-Sheltered Valuation Guide
A 12-page PDF covering how below-grade homes are valued, what documentation lenders require, and how to prepare your property for the most accurate appraisal outcome.
No spam. One email with the guide, that's it.