Today we’d like to introduce you to Robert Howlett.
Hi Robert, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
It all started after purchasing my home in Glendora, Ca.. The lender requested a real estate appraisal and I was present during the inspection. The whole inspection was completed in 20-25 minutes.. which led to me asking many questions about this real estate niche. Such as:
1. How many inspections can you complete in a day, week or month?
2. How many hours are you out in the field vs home?
3. What education is required to become an appraiser?
4. How do you get clients?
5. It all seemed to fit my background (construction) and my interest in homes. I completed my education in 6 months and completed my training in less than 9 months to become fully independent.
Fast-forward: now with over two decades of experience, and a couple of advanced designations from The Appraisal Institute, I’ve earned a reputation as a trusted authority in real estate valuation. My expertise stretches far beyond traditional home appraisals—specializing in Divorce, Estate, Trust, Probate, Date-of-Death, Pre-Listing, Pre-Purchase, Employee Relocation, and Tax Appeal appraisals, as well as providing expert witness testimony.
I love helping people better understand home valuations. Every appraisal is a family making tough decisions, an attorney seeking clarity, or a fiduciary protecting an estate. Even though the appraisal is just a small part, it helps bring a piece of mind and confidence to those navigating these sometimes complex real estate situations.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road. The real estate climate is always in flux depending on interest rates, supply and demand, and the potential number of buyers at any given time, in any given neighborhood. During time of higher than anticipated interest rates the market slows (purchases and refinance transactions). As the number of transaction decrease the more competitive the real estate appraisal arena gets. The result is typically, lower fees.
In order to combat this downturn, I’ve been able to take advantage of my network of attorney’s, fiduciaries and homeowners real estate services.
As you know, we’re big fans of The Appraisal Station. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
The Appraisal Station, specializes in providing real estate appraisals that go far beyond the standard mortgage transaction. Our focus is on helping attorneys, real estate agents, fiduciaries, and their clients in situations that require accuracy, sensitivity, and a clear understanding of value. Whether it’s a divorce, estate, trust, probate, date-of-death valuation, pre-listing or pre-purchase consultation, tax appeal, or even expert witness testimony, we provide impartial, defensible valuations that give people clarity during some of life’s most important decisions.
What sets us apart is our deep understanding of both the real estate market and the human side of valuation. I like to say our tagline sums it up best:
“Helping Attorneys, Real Estate Agents, and Fiduciaries, help their clients.”
For readers who may not know us yet, here’s what I’d like them to understand: The Appraisal Station isn’t just an appraisal company—it’s a partner. We exist to solve problems, protect interests, and make complex situations easier to navigate. Whether you’re an attorney preparing for court, a fiduciary handling estate assets, or a homeowner looking to list your property, we provide the clarity and confidence you need to move forward.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
For me, the most important quality is integrity. In the world of real estate appraisal, people aren’t just hiring you for a number on a page—they’re trusting you during some of the most sensitive and pivotal moments of their lives. Whether it’s dividing assets in a divorce, settling an estate, or preparing for court, the stakes are high and emotions can run even higher. Integrity means that every valuation I deliver is impartial, defensible, and grounded in facts, not pressure or opinion.
Closely tied to integrity is clarity. I believe my role is not just to analyze data but to communicate it in a way that attorneys, fiduciaries, and homeowners can truly understand. That balance of technical expertise and clear explanation is what allows people to make confident decisions.
At the end of the day, my work is about trust. Without integrity, you can’t earn it—and without clarity, you can’t keep it.
Pricing:
- $500 for a typical Single Family appraisal
- $700 for a typical Multi-Famiily Dwelling (1-4)
- $150 – Floor Plan / Home Measurement
- $500 for a typical Condo or Townhome
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.TheAppraisalStation.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robert.howlett.127
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roberthowlett/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoWf1RousJgVXTS3OvVIR2Q
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-appraisal-station-glendora
