Choosing the Right Appraiser: A Key Step in Protecting Your Practice's Value

Whether you're preparing to sell your dental practice, planning for retirement, or navigating other major life events, obtaining a professional practice appraisal is one of the most important steps you can take. But not all appraisals - or appraisers - are created equal. The quality of your appraisal directly affects how smoothly a sale progresses, how credible the value is to buyers and lenders, and ultimately, the financial return you achieve.

So how do you ensure you select the right appraiser for your practice?

When Do You Need a Professional Appraisal?

There are several situations where a formal, independent valuation is essential:

• Preparing your practice for sale
• Bringing on or buying out a partner
• Retirement and estate planning
• Securing financing from a bank
• Supporting insurance needs or matrimonial settlements

At Meridian Sales & Appraisals, our focus is on providing valuations that are recognized and respected by buyers, accountants, and lenders - because that's what supports a successful sale.

How to Evaluate an Appraiser Before You Hire

Seek recommendations from reliable sources

• Other dentists: Ask colleagues who've recently had their practice valued for sale or transition - they can speak to whether the appraisal was accurate, thorough, and helped them achieve their goals.
• Your accountant: If they work extensively with dentists, they may have valuable insight into which appraisers produce reports that stand up in real-world transactions.
• Your banker: Some lenders only accept appraisals from approved valuators. Choosing an appraiser not on that list can delay your sale and add unnecessary costs.
• Your lawyer or retirement planner: They may have worked with appraisers whose valuations held up well under scrutiny.

Interview potential appraisers

• Ask about their experience specifically with dental practice sales.
• Ensure they have a track record of producing valuations accepted by purchasers and financial institutions.
• Request to review a sample (generic) report - it should clearly explain how value is determined and be easy to understand.

Don't assume cost equals quality

• A higher fee doesn't automatically mean a better appraisal. Focus on experience, credibility, and how well their work is regarded by the marketplace.

What to Expect From a Quality Appraisal

A reliable appraiser does more than produce a number. They provide:

• A defensible, data-backed valuation aligned with current market conditions.
• A report that stands up to the scrutiny of buyers, accountants, and banks.
• Insights that help you understand how value was determined - and how it can be realized through a sale.

Work With Trusted Experts

At Meridian Sales & Appraisals, dental practice appraisals are our sole focus. We provide independent valuations that support successful sales and help practice owners secure top value for their life's work.

Contact us today for a confidential consultation - and let's ensure your appraisal stands up when it matters most.

Alan Rustom