About / Coverage Area
Real Estate Appraisals by Pathfinder Appraisals
Based in the Flathead Valley, Pathfinder Appraisals provides real estate appraisal services throughout Montana. Call me or request a quote for appraisal services. I appraise commercial properties, ranches, timber, subdivisions, industrial areas, land, and more. Additional services include consulting, expert witness testimony, and appraisal review.
Education & Experience
Certified General Appraiser and MAI Appraiser
As Owner of Pathfinder Appraisals, I hold a Certified General license issued by the State of Montana. This certifies I am qualified to appraise any property type of any value anywhere in Montana. My license is up-to-date with continuing education credits via numerous real estate courses and seminars sponsored by the Appraisal Institute.
I have made a commitment to advanced education requirements and elevated expectations for the appraisal profession as a whole.
I earned the MAI designation awarded by the Appraisal Institute. This designation requires 300 additional hours of education, completion of a demonstration of knowledge report, and receiving a passing grade on a two-day comprehensive examination covering all aspects of real property appraisal. The MAI designation is similar to a Masters in Mathematics and Real Estate Economics.
The following requirements for a certified general license provide the appraiser with adequate background to value income-producing properties:
- A Bachelor’s Degree or Higher,
- 300 Hours Of Specialized Education
- 3,000 Hours Of Work Experience
- And Pass An Eight Hour Examination
I have over 10,000 hours of work experience gained over a period of time extending beyond ten years. I earned the MAI designation awarded by the Appraisal Institute. This designation requires 300 additional hours of education, completion of a demonstration of knowledge report, receiving a passing grade on a two-day comprehensive examination covering all aspects of real property appraisal, and a review of selected work that has been submitted. To date I have completed the education requirement, successfully passed the comprehensive examination, and have submitted my demonstration of knowledge report.
My experience includes valuing the following property types: vacant land, subdivisions, office, retail, industrial, farms and ranches, aircraft hangars, schools, religious facilities, agricultural, timberland lakefront, riverfront, and luxury homes. The list above is not a complete list of my experience but a list of some of the more common property assignments.
Although I live in Columbia Falls, I travel extensively and appraise real property as far away as Billings and the Bitterroot Valley.
Appraisal Experience Extends Over Numerous Property Types
- Industrial (warehouse, self-storage, business parks)
- Office
- Retail
- Multi-family
- Land (subdivisions, ranch, timber, water-front)
- Luxury lake and river-front
- Remote properties
APPRAISAL WORK HISTORY
Valuations and consulting on real estate matters for over 15 years.
- Began my appraisal internship 2005 in Reno, NV.
- Joined a major commercial appraisal firm in southern NV, as an associate appraiser, in 2008. I earned my Certified General Appraiser certification during this time.
- In 2011 my wife and I moved to Flathead Valley and I worked as a Certified General Appraiser for a Whitefish, MT firm.
- Opened my business, Pathfinder Appraisals, in 2015 as an independent fee appraiser in Flathead Valley, based in Columbia Falls, MT.
STATE AND REGULATORY LICENSURE
Montana – State Certified General #959
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
MAI Designation, Appraisal Institute
PRIOR WORK ACCOMPLISHMENTS
- Logging Industry – Southeast Alaska: Logging Engineering Manager for 15 years. Began 25-year forestry career as a Timber Cruiser, Logging Engineer to Logging Engineering Manager. Companies were small owner-operators to Sitka’s Alaska Lumber & Pulp, to Ketchikan’s Sealaska Corporation (responsible for 320,000 acres).
- Timber Faller – Dillon, MT
- Firefighting Crew – Salmon, ID
Graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno with a B.S. degree in Forestry. Successfully completed numerous real estate courses and seminars sponsored by the Appraisal Institute.
Pathfinder Appraisals Coverage Area - Montana
Appraisals Are Conducted Throughout Montana, But I Primarily Serve The Following Areas:
With prior arrangements, I can provide appraisal services to any portion of Montana.
| COUNTY | PRIMARY CITIES/TOWNS |
|---|---|
| Flathead | Bigfork, Columbia Falls, Coram, Evergreen, Kalispell, Kila, Lakeside, Marion, Martin City, Olney, Polebridge, Somers, West Glacier, Whitefish |
| Lake | Polson |
| Lincoln | Eureka, Libby, Rexford,Troy |
| Mineral | Alberton, DeBorgia, Superior, St. Regis |
| Missoula | Missoula, Seeley Lake |
| Ravalli | Darby, Hamilton, Stevensville |
| Sanders | Dixon, Hot Springs, Heron, Lonepine, Noxon, Plains, Thompson Falls, Trout Creek |
The county links will take you to the local county website for additional area information.
Not sure of the county? Click the link ‘view larger map’ on the map above. A new window will open with a larger map, at which point, you can enter your desired location.
Pathfinder Appraisals Is Proud To Serve Their Community Of Neighbors And Friends Throughout Montana Since 2015
Wayne Valentic has the knowledge and expertise to accurately assess and appraise your real estate or commercial property. He will go over the fine details to give you the confidence in knowing how the value of your property was determined. When the value of your property is imperative, you can count on Pathfinder Appraisals. Wayne will help you discover whether you’re acquiring a liability or asset.
Let Me Provide You With A Professional Report With A Supportable Opinion Of Value
It's Impossible To Appraise A Property On Your Own
It’s important to get the true market value of your real estate or business by a professional before you sign on the dotted line. Pathfinder Appraisals is a preferred home value assessor in Western Montana. I keep the lines of communication open with full transparency every step of the way. Enjoy an accurate appraisal by address. Pathfinder Appraisals makes it easy to get an affordable appraisal. Still have questions? You’re invited to send me a business email for more details at wayne@pathfinderappraisals.com.
Contact Pathfinder Appraisals
I’m always looking for new appraisal projects.
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