Business Details
31 Years
experience
Expert Real Estate Appraisal Services in Worcester
Founded in 1995, O'hara-Buthray Associates is a premier real estate appraisal and consulting firm specializing in residential and commercial property valuations. Our team of highly qualified appraisers, including two partners with over 30 years of experience each, holds certifications such as MA Certified General and Licensed Real Estate Appraiser designations. We adhere to rigorous industry standards, ensuring all appraisals comply with FIRREA and USPAP regulations through meticulous review processes led by our partners. Our expertise spans diverse property types, from single-family homes to complex commercial assets like shopping centers and medical facilities, serving clients including financial institutions, attorneys, and government agencies. We prioritize timely, accurate reporting while maintaining transparency and ethical practices.Our staff provides litigation support, expert testimony in courts, and specialized services for estate planning and eminent domain cases. With a focus on reducing client effort and costs, we deliver market-leading valuations trusted by thousands of clients. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our MAI designations, the highest recognition in the appraisal industry. We operate across Worcester County and surrounding regions in Massachusetts, offering personalized service tailored to each client's unique needs. Our dedication to professional development ensures we remain at the forefront of industry advancements, providing reliable, data-driven insights that empower informed real estate decisions.
Services
Residential Appraisals
Commercial Valuations
Estate Tax Assessments
Litigation Support
Eminent Domain Valuations
Property Acquisition Consulting
Mixed-Use Appraisals
Development Site Analysis
Details
- Year established: 1995
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years of combined experience in real estate appraisal with MAI designations.
- Our appraisals undergo partner-led reviews to ensure regulatory compliance.
- We provide expert testimony services in US Bankruptcy Court and state courts.
- Our team serves diverse clients including banks, attorneys, and government agencies.
- We operate across five Massachusetts counties with localized market expertise.
Associations and certifications
- Appraisal Institute (MAI Designation)
- Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP)
What people say
Accurate valuations
Expert testimony skills
Regulatory compliance
Timely reporting
Local market knowledge
Services
Residential Appraisals
We conduct detailed residential property valuations for single-family homes, multi-family units, and condominiums. Our certified appraisers analyze market trends, property condition, and comparable sales to deliver accurate, USPAP-compliant reports. Clients rely on our expertise for mortgage lending, estate planning, and legal proceedings.
Commercial Valuations
Our team evaluates commercial properties including office buildings, shopping centers, and industrial facilities. We assess land development potential and mixed-use properties using advanced analysis techniques. Reports include income capitalization and cost approach methodologies for informed investment decisions.
Estate Tax Assessments
We provide IRS-compliant valuations for estate and gift tax purposes, covering real property and business interests. Our appraisals document fair market value through thorough market analysis, supporting tax filings and minimizing compliance risks for executors and trustees.
Litigation Support
Our MAI-certified experts offer litigation consulting and court testimony in real estate disputes. Services include damage assessments, eminent domain cases, and expert witness qualifications in state and federal courts, leveraging decades of technical and legal experience.
Public Sector Services
We assist municipalities and agencies with property acquisition, disposition, and eminent domain valuations. Our team understands public project requirements, delivering timely assessments for infrastructure development and land use planning initiatives.
People
Michael J. O'Hara
Partner
MA Certified General Real Estate Appraiser with 30+ years of experience. Holds the prestigious MAI designation from the Appraisal Institute. Specializes in complex commercial valuations and expert testimony in legal proceedings.
Joel A. Buthray
Partner
MA Certified General Real Estate Appraiser with over three decades of appraisal expertise. MAI designation holder providing leadership in regulatory compliance and high-stakes property valuations for institutional clients.
Christopher P. Swift
Associate
Licensed Real Estate Appraiser supporting residential and commercial assignments. Applies technical skills to produce detailed, accurate valuations under senior appraiser supervision.
John P. Deignan
Associate
Certified Residential Real Estate Appraiser handling single-family and small multi-family property assessments. Focuses on precision and adherence to evolving appraisal standards.
Questions
What types of properties do you appraise?
We appraise residential properties including single-family homes and condominiums, as well as commercial properties like office buildings, shopping centers, and industrial facilities.
Are your appraisers certified?
Yes, all appraisers hold Massachusetts certifications, with partners possessing the MAI designation from the Appraisal Institute, the industry's highest recognition.
How long does an appraisal take?
Most residential appraisals complete within 5-7 business days, while complex commercial assignments may require additional time based on property size and data requirements.
Do you serve areas outside Worcester County?
We provide services throughout central Massachusetts, including Middlesex, Norfolk, Franklin, Hampden, and Hampshire Counties.
Can you assist with legal proceedings?
Yes, our partners offer expert testimony and litigation support in real estate disputes, with qualifications in US Bankruptcy Court and Massachusetts state courts.
