The Discipline
Eminent Domain Is a Specialized Valuation Science
Most appraisers can determine a property's value. Very few are trained to quantify the full measure of just compensation in a government taking — which requires understanding not only the value of the part taken, but the impact on the remainder, the allocation of project influence, and the special benefit and severance damage rules that vary by jurisdiction.
Martinez & Associates performs condemnation appraisals under the Uniform Appraisal Standards for Federal Land Acquisitions (Yellow Book) for federal takings, and under applicable state law for state and local condemnations in California. William Martinez is trained in the Yellow Book standard, having served as an Appraisal Reviewer for the U.S. Department of the Interior (2024–2025), and has been retained by both property owners and condemning authorities.
What We Value
- Just compensation for the part taken (full and partial takes)
- Severance damages to the remainder
- Cost to cure analysis
- Special benefits offset analysis (when claimed by the agency)
- Inverse condemnation / regulatory takings damage
- Temporary construction easements and permanent access restrictions
- Business enterprise exclusion analysis
Property Types
- Commercial, industrial, and retail
- High-value residential
- Agricultural and rural land
- Development parcels and entitled land
- Special-use properties