
The New Rules of Real Estate Valuation: What Law Firms Need to Know
From The Search Bar: Law Firm Growth. Wine Optional. by Eric Ritter
November 3, 2025 · 26 min · Season 1 · Episode 51
About this episode
Eric Ritter discusses real estate valuation with expert appraiser Michael J. Lester, focusing on how law firms can ensure accurate valuations for litigation.
Tired of valuations that don’t hold up in court? In this episode of The Search Bar Podcast, Eric Ritter sits down with expert appraiser Michael J. Lester to discuss how law firms can ensure their property valuations stand strong in litigation. Learn how technology like AI and AVMs are transforming the industry and why human judgment still plays a crucial role in getting accurate, defensible results.Michael also shares tips on choosing the right appraiser, preparing for cross-examination, and navigating the nuances of commercial real estate disputes. Plus, he pairs it all with a wine recommendation that reflects the balance of precision and expertise required for successful valuations.Today’s pour: a crisp B and A from Boydie Vineyards, a balanced white wine that pairs perfectly with real estate valuations as well as any fine meal. Show links: Connect with Michael J Lester on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-howard-905988136/ Connect with Eric Ritter on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/helloericritter/ Learn more about Willowbrook Valuation & Advisory Services at: https://willowbrookvaluation.com/ Learn more about Eric's company…
People in this episode
Host: Eric Ritter
Guest: Michael J. Lester
Topics covered
- real estate valuation
- law firms
- litigation
- technology in appraisal
- commercial real estate disputes
- appraiser selection
Keywords
- real estate valuation
- law firms
- litigation
- AI
- AVMs
- appraiser tips
- commercial real estate
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Willowbrook Valuation & Advisory Services, Digital Neighbor
Products: B and A
Places: Boydie Vineyards
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