Residential Real Estate Appraisal

Get a real estate appraisal for your residential property from accredited, licensed professionals—serving Niagara since 2001.

Residential home in Niagara

Residential Property Types We Appraise

  • Single detached
  • Multi-residential
  • Semi-detached
  • Waterfront properties
  • Condominiums
  • Cottages
  • Row/townhouse
  • Rural residential

What We Do

We review the property, recent comparable sales, location, condition, improvements, and Niagara-specific market factors so the final report is useful for the decision in front of you.

  • Freeprice quotes
  • $2.4bnappraised
  • 25+years exp.

Serving The Niagara Region

  • Beamsville
  • Niagara-On-The-Lake
  • Fonthill
  • Pelham
  • Fort Erie
  • Port Colborne
  • Grimsby
  • St. Catharines
  • Niagara Falls
  • Thorold

See our entire Coverage Area.

GoogleRated 5/5 from 24 reviews

"Ben’s Professionalism and Attention To Detail Consistently Exceed Expectations"

"Ben did a property value appraisal for my Mom's house and he did an excellent job. Communication was excellent and he always responded promptly. We set up a time to do the appraisal and he arrived on time. He did a walk through of the house, asked questions and took measurements. The final report was detailed and thorough. I couldn't have asked for more!"

Melanie C-WVerified reviewerGoogle

Google review

"My interactions with Ben Ellens have shown me that he is an extremely capable appraiser who tackles every assignment with skill, thoroughness and accuracy. He's also a pleasure to be around. He has experience in a variety of settings whether it's commercial, agricultural or residential.

He takes pride in his work as a true professional and will provide you with an analysis & estimate that can be trusted and counted on. I do not hesitate to wholehearted recommend Ellens Appraisals."

Marv KlassenVerified reviewerGoogle

Google review

"Ben is, without question my go-to person for all things related to valuing real estate, whether it’s Commercial, Residential, Multi-residential, or Agricultural. He is professional, trust-worthy, extremely thorough with his approach to value and brings an incredible wealth of knowledge and experience to the table.

I always have 100% confidence in both his pricing and his integrity. First-class all the way, both personally and professionally."

Karen WilliamsonVerified reviewerGoogle

Google review

"I used Ron and Carol for an appraisal of my home in the Niagara region. They were prompt and professional and as I was on a tight timeline they were able to complete all the paperwork I needed quickly. Super happy with their service!"

Lynn SawatzkyVerified reviewerGoogle

Google review

"Ben Ellens has done multiple appraisals for me in Port Colborne. He is professional, friendly and helpful. The appraisals are thorough, clear to understand and he is a wealth of information. He has been great in assisting with questions whether on commercial, or multi-residential in my personal experiences.

There is no doubt that this company is my go-to appraisal company. Thank you again."

Carlie SmithVerified reviewerGoogle

Google review

"I’ve had the pleasure of working with Ben Ellens, a professional appraiser in the Niagara Region, and I can’t speak highly enough of his service. Ben's work is nothing short of exceptional—his professionalism and attention to detail consistently exceed expectations.

What truly sets Ben apart for me as a Realtor is his friendly approach to working with clients. He makes the process smooth and comfortable, always ensuring that everyone feels well-informed and valued. It’s clear that he genuinely cares about the people he works with, including clients I refer to him.

I have complete trust in Ben’s services and consider him an invaluable partner in the real estate process. If you need an appraiser who combines expertise with a warm, client-centered approach, Ben Ellens is your go-to professional. Highly recommended! Jonas Martin, Broker, Martin & Stewart Real Estate."

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Jonas MartinVerified reviewerGoogle

Google review

Read more on our Reviews page

How It Works

1. Request Your Appraisal.

Submit our quick form and we'll contact you within 24 hours to provide pricing and schedule your property inspection. Or call us any time.

2. We'll Inspect Your Property.

Schedule your inspection any day of the week, including evenings or weekends. Our appraiser usually requires 1-2 hours on-site.

3. Receive Your Appraisal Report.

We'll email your report within 72 hours of the inspection. If you have any questions for us, we're available to answer.

Ben and Ron Ellens

Meet The Team

RC Ellens is an independent Niagara appraisal and consulting firm led by designated appraisers Ben and Ron Ellens. Since 2001, the firm has helped lenders, lawyers, municipalities, business owners, families, and property owners make confident real estate decisions.

  • AACI-designated appraisers
  • Residential, commercial, and agricultural expertise
  • Trusted across Niagara since 2001

Read more about the RC Ellens team

  • Appraisal Institute of Canada
  • Association of Ontario Land Economists
  • American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers
  • Niagara Association of Realtors
  • Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce

Common Questions

What type of appraisal report do I actually need?

It depends on who needs the report and why. A lender, lawyer, accountant, court, or family member may each need something slightly different. We confirm the intended use first so the report is prepared in a format the right people can rely on. If you are unsure, call us and we will help you sort it out before you order anything.

How much notice do you need before an inspection?

Timing depends on the property type, access, report purpose, and current schedule. Residential inspections can often be arranged quickly. Commercial, agricultural, multi-unit, or unusual properties usually need more lead time. You can see the basic flow on our How It Works page, or call us if you have a deadline.

What information should I have ready before ordering?

Start with the property address and the reason you need the appraisal. If you have them, a tax bill, survey, floor plans, renovation notes, leases, rent roll, income and expense details, or prior reports can also help. Do not worry if you do not have everything. We will tell you what matters for your file.

Can your reports be used by lenders, lawyers, accountants, or municipalities?

Yes, when the report is ordered and prepared for that intended use. Tell us who needs to rely on the report before the assignment starts so the client, intended users, and purpose are set up correctly.

Can you complete an appraisal quickly if there is a deadline?

Often, yes, but it depends on the assignment and current schedule. The fastest way to start is to send the property address, intended use, deadline, and any documents you already have through our contact page. If it is urgent, a phone call is best.

What happens during a residential appraisal inspection?

The appraiser usually reviews the exterior and interior, confirms room count, notes condition and updates, takes photos, and measures or verifies living area. It is straightforward, and we will explain anything we need as we go. For more context, visit our Residential Real Estate Appraisal page.

Is an appraisal the same thing as a home inspection?

No. A home inspection focuses on building systems and defects. An appraisal focuses on market value. We consider condition, quality, updates, and obvious concerns, but the report is not a technical inspection of plumbing, electrical, roofing, or structure.

Can I use a realtor's CMA instead of an appraisal?

A CMA can be helpful for pricing guidance, but it is not the same as an independent appraisal report. Appraisal reports are prepared by qualified appraisers, supported by market evidence, and written for a defined client and intended use.

Do renovations always increase appraised value?

Not always dollar for dollar. Renovations are considered alongside quality, age, workmanship, permit status, buyer demand, and comparable sales. Some improvements matter much more to the market than others.

Do you appraise cottages, waterfront homes, and rural residential properties?

Yes. These properties often need more care because frontage, servicing, access, seasonal use, outbuildings, land size, and location can all materially affect value. If the property is unusual, call us and we can talk through what will be needed.

Read more on our FAQs page