Services

USPAP compliance reviews.

Accurate, well-supported appraisals are critical in financial and legal decision-making. At Stillwater Appraisal Services, we provide professional appraisal reviews to ensure reports meet the highest standards of accuracy, compliance, and credibility. Whether required by lenders, attorneys, government agencies, or private clients, our reviews offer peace of mind that an appraisal is both reliable and defensible.

Located in Columbus, MT, we serve Central, South-Central, and Eastern Montana with appraisal review services built on more than a decade of professional experience. Our team combines agricultural expertise with strict adherence to professional standards, offering reviews that are thorough, objective, and confidential.

What We Review

---

During an appraisal review, we evaluate:

• Methodology – Whether proper valuation approaches were applied.
• Data & Sources – The quality and reliability of comparable sales and market data.
• Adjustments & Analysis – Whether adjustments are reasonable and well-supported.
• Compliance – Adherence to USPAP and assignment-specific requirements.
• Clarity & Consistency – Ensuring the report is clear, logical, and defensible.

Types of Reviews We Provide

---

• USPAP-Compliant Reviews – Ensuring appraisals follow the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice.
• Internal Quality Control – Supporting lenders and institutions with consistent report oversight.
• Independent Third-Party Reviews – Providing objectivity in disputes or high-value transactions.

Our Commitment

---

Every review we complete is approached with objectivity, professionalism, and confidentiality. We do not simply critique — we provide constructive, well-documented evaluations that highlight strengths, identify weaknesses, and confirm compliance.

At Stillwater Appraisal Services, we understand the responsibility that comes with reviewing another appraiser’s work. Our reviews are designed to provide clarity, build confidence, and ensure that decisions are based on reports that can withstand scrutiny.

Specialized appraisals meeting Farmer Mac standards.

Farmer Mac (the Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation) provides a secondary market for agricultural real estate and rural housing loans. To meet their specific requirements, appraisals must follow strict guidelines and demonstrate a clear, well-supported value conclusion. At Stillwater Appraisal Services, we provide Farmer Mac–compliant appraisals that ensure lenders and borrowers can move forward with confidence.

Located in Columbus, MT, we serve Central, South-Central, and Eastern Montana with agricultural expertise and more than a decade of appraisal experience. Our lead appraiser is on the Farmer Mac Preferred Appraiser List, giving clients additional assurance that our reports meet the program’s strict requirements.

What We Evaluate in Farmer Mac Appraisals

---

• Land Productivity – Cropland capability, grazing capacity, and soil quality.
• Improvements – Barns, fencing, irrigation systems, corrals, and homes.
• Water Rights & Irrigation – Critical components of agricultural property value.
• Market Data – Verified sales information from our proprietary database.
• Overall Operation – A full picture of the property’s agricultural viability.

Report Types

---

For Farmer Mac assignments, we prepare reports that align with required standards, including:

• Uniform Agricultural Appraisal Reports (UAAR) – Consistent, standardized reporting for agricultural properties.
• Narrative Reports – In-depth analysis for complex or larger-scale operations.
• Restricted Reports – Concise reports available for limited-use circumstances, when appropriate.

All reports are USPAP-compliant and formatted to satisfy Farmer Mac’s appraisal requirements.

Our Commitment

---

Farmer Mac lending is a vital tool for Montana’s agricultural community. At Stillwater Appraisal Services, we take pride in supporting landowners, lenders, and financial institutions with appraisals that combine professional accuracy with local insight.

With our agricultural expertise, strong market research, and commitment to integrity, we provide Farmer Mac appraisals that stand up to scrutiny and support long-term agricultural financing.

Valuations for IRS, bond, and appeals.

Property taxes are a significant expense, and in many cases, a fair valuation is essential to ensure accuracy and compliance. At Stillwater Appraisal Services, we provide professional tax appraisals that meet the standards of lenders, attorneys, property owners, and the IRS. Located in Columbus, MT, we serve Central, South-Central, and Eastern Montana with appraisals that are accurate, confidential, and rooted in local knowledge.

Because Montana is a non-disclosure state, sales prices are not publicly available. That makes defending property values for tax purposes more complex. Our appraisers maintain a sophisticated sales database and work closely with financial professionals, ensuring that every tax appraisal reflects true market activity and stands up to review.

What We Evaluate

---

Every property is unique, and our tax appraisals consider the full range of value factors, such as:

• Property Type – Ranch, farm, recreational, or residential acreage.
• Land Productivity – Cropland capacity, grazing quality, and agricultural use.
• Improvements – Homes, barns, irrigation systems, and other structures.
• Market Comparisons – Verified sales data from our proprietary database.
• Special Features – Water rights, wildlife habitat, and recreational appeal.

Types of Tax Appraisals We Provide

---

• Estate and inheritance tax appraisals
• Gift tax valuations
• IRS-compliant property reports
• Property tax appeal support
• Bond-related appraisals

Our Reports

---

We tailor our reporting to meet the requirements of each tax-related situation, offering:

• Narrative Reports – Comprehensive, in-depth documentation and analysis.
• Restricted Reports – Concise valuations for narrowly defined uses.
• IRS-Compliant Reports – Reports prepared in accordance with federal standards.

All appraisals are prepared in compliance with USPAP.

Integrity and Confidentiality

---

Tax-related matters often require discretion and absolute accuracy. At Stillwater Appraisal Services, we approach every assignment with integrity and confidentiality, ensuring our clients have the reliable valuations they need for tax reporting, planning, or appeals.

With our agricultural expertise, local roots, and more than a decade of experience, we deliver tax appraisals that you can trust.

Trusted support for probate, settlement, and planning.

Estate planning and settlement often require clear, well-supported property valuations. At Stillwater Appraisal Services, we provide professional estate appraisals that meet the needs of families, attorneys, trustees, and financial professionals. With more than a decade of experience serving Central and Eastern Montana, we deliver appraisals that are accurate, confidential, and prepared in compliance with professional standards.

Located in Columbus, MT, our appraisers are Montana natives with strong agricultural backgrounds and a deep understanding of rural real estate markets. Because Montana is a non-disclosure state, reliable property data is not publicly available. That’s why we maintain a sophisticated sales database and work with a trusted network of professionals to ensure each estate appraisal reflects true market conditions.

What We Evaluate

---

Our estate appraisals consider all factors that influence property value, including:

• Property Type – Ranches, farms, rural residences, or recreational holdings.
• Land Use & Improvements – Agricultural production, structures, and facilities.
• Market Conditions – Local and regional demand for comparable properties.
• Location & Access – The role of geography, infrastructure, and services.
• Unique Features – Water rights, wildlife habitat, or recreational amenities.

Every report is tailored to the specific property, ensuring heirs, attorneys, and financial professionals receive valuations that stand up to scrutiny.

Types of Estate Appraisals We Provide

---

• Ranches and farm operations
• Recreational and rural residential properties
• Multi-parcel estates
• Agricultural estates with mixed land use
• Properties requiring IRS-standard valuations

Our Reports

---

We offer a range of report formats to meet estate requirements, including:

• Narrative Reports – Comprehensive reports with supporting data and analysis.
• Restricted Reports – Concise reports for specific, limited-use purposes.
• IRS-Compliant Reports – Valuations prepared to meet federal reporting standards.

All appraisals are prepared in compliance with USPAP.

Trusted, Confidential Guidance

---

Estate matters often involve sensitive circumstances. We approach every assignment with professionalism, discretion, and respect for the families we serve. Our appraisers combine local expertise with diligent research to deliver reports that provide clarity in times when it’s needed most.

At Stillwater Appraisal Services, we take pride in offering estate appraisals that are accurate, confidential, and built on integrity — helping families, attorneys, and trustees make decisions with confidence.

Reports for hunting, fishing, and seasonal retreats.

Montana’s vast landscapes offer more than agricultural opportunity — they provide some of the nation’s best recreational land. From hunting acreage and fishing retreats to seasonal cabins and wilderness getaways, recreational properties are a defining part of the state’s real estate market. At Stillwater Appraisal Services, we specialize in appraising recreational land with the accuracy, insight, and confidentiality our clients rely on.

Based in Columbus, MT, our appraisers are Montana natives who understand the value drivers unique to recreational properties. Because Montana is a non-disclosure state, reliable sales data isn’t publicly available. That’s why we maintain a sophisticated sales database and work with a wide network of real estate and financial professionals to track activity and trends. The result is an appraisal that reflects true market conditions while meeting the highest professional standards.

What We Evaluate

---

Every recreational property is unique, and we consider the full range of features that impact value, including:

• Location & Access – Proximity to roads, services, and recreational hubs.
• Acreage & Terrain – Size, usability, and topography of the land.
• Water Features – Rivers, creeks, lakes, and ponds that enhance appeal.
• Wildlife Habitat – Hunting, fishing, and conservation opportunities.
• Improvements – Cabins, lodges, fencing, trails, and off-grid infrastructure.
• Market Demand – Local and statewide trends for recreational ownership.

Types of Recreational Properties We Appraise

---

• Hunting and fishing land
• Seasonal cabins and lodges
• Riverfront and lakefront properties
• Mountain and wilderness retreats
• Mixed-use agricultural and recreational properties

Our Reports

---

We provide flexible reporting formats to meet the specific needs of recreational landowners and lenders:

• Narrative Reports – Detailed analysis for properties with unique or complex features.
• Restricted Reports – Concise valuations for limited or specific uses.
• Market Studies – Broader overviews of recreational land trends and activity.

All reports are prepared in compliance with USPAP.

Local Insight You Can Trust

---

Recreational land in Montana is unlike any other market. Each property carries its own story, shaped by location, access, and natural features. As Montana natives, our appraisers bring firsthand knowledge of these lands, ensuring every report reflects both their practical and recreational value.

At Stillwater Appraisal Services, we are committed to delivering appraisals that are accurate, confidential, and built on integrity — giving landowners, families, and lenders the clarity they need.

Valuations for farms, ranches, and part-time operations.

Agricultural land is one of Montana’s most valuable resources, and every property carries its own unique characteristics. At Stillwater Appraisal Services, we specialize in appraisals for ranches, farms, and agricultural operations of all sizes. With more than a decade of experience in Montana’s rural markets, our team delivers valuations that reflect true market conditions while honoring the complexity of agricultural properties.

Located in Columbus, MT, our appraisers are Montana natives with agricultural backgrounds. We understand the factors that drive value in this region — from soil productivity and irrigation rights to livestock facilities and access. Because Montana is a non-disclosure state, we rely on a sophisticated sales database, trusted professional networks, and diligent research to ensure each appraisal is well-supported and accurate.

What We Evaluate

---

When completing an agricultural property appraisal, we carefully consider:

• Land Use & Productivity – Cropland, grazing land, and mixed operations.
• Soil Quality – Productivity indexes, classifications, and sustainability.
• Water Rights & Irrigation – Critical to both farm and ranch operations.
• Improvements – Barns, corrals, fencing, irrigation systems, and housing.
• Market Trends – Local, regional, and statewide influences on value.
• Location & Access – Proximity to markets, infrastructure, and services.

Each factor is analyzed in the context of local market conditions to ensure a fair and accurate valuation.

Types of Agricultural Properties We Appraise

---

• Ranches of all sizes
• Cropland and farm operations
• Part-time and hobby farms
• Equestrian and livestock facilities
• Mixed-use agricultural and residential properties

Our Reports

---

We provide a range of reporting options tailored to agricultural appraisals, including:

• Uniform Agricultural Appraisal Report (UAAR) – Standardized format for consistency.
• Narrative Reports – In-depth analysis for complex or specialized properties.
• Restricted Reports – Concise valuations for limited or specific purposes.

All reports are prepared in compliance with USPAP.

Trusted, Local Expertise

---

Agricultural appraisals require more than numbers — they require a deep understanding of Montana’s land, its people, and its markets. As Montana natives with agricultural backgrounds, we bring both professional knowledge and personal insight to every assignment.

Our commitment is to deliver appraisals built on accuracy, integrity, and confidentiality, helping landowners, families, and lenders make decisions with confidence.