Appraisers and Planners roots go deep in the New York real estate market. It began back in the 1890s when the great grandfathers of current Chairman James L. Levy worked in partnership to construct hundreds of multifamily residential and office properties.

Well versed in building construction and management, during the Great Depression, Edward Levy, father of James L. Levy, was asked by a financial institution to inspect 360 buildings, check their physical condition and estimate their value.

That first request soon led to a thriving business of evaluating properties, working for many of the largest property owners in New York City, assessing value and representing clients in challenges of tax assessments.

Appraisers and Planners was formally established in 1933. Having just celebrated its 90th anniversary, the firm is, today, New York City’s oldest and most venerated full service appraisal and real estate consulting firm, its longevity a testament to the quality of its services and depth of its client relationships.

By the early 1960s, as real estate and its valuation became more sophisticated, James L. Levy formally joined the firm founded by his father. Beginning in the management and leasing departments, Jim continued his education in appraisal, ultimately earning the highest professional designations in the field, an MAI and SRA from the Appraisal Institute. He also holds the ASA designation from the American Society of Appraisers.

Until the early 1980's, Appraisers and Planners' core business of tax certiorari proceedings (challenging tax assessments) expanded to include property valuation matters including estates and trusts and condemnation proceedings which also extended their client base from attorneys, accountants and private property owners to include institutions and lenders. Throughout his career, Chairman Jim Levy estimates he has served as an arbitrator and provided expert testimony in over 1,000 judicial matters.

Appraisers and Planners' president, Sharon Locatell, has 30 years experience in real estate valuation and consulting and has been actively involved in market value appraisals, consulting assignments, arbitration proceedings, purchase price allocation lease analysis, feasibility studies, estate work, litigation support, expert witness testimony and investment advisory consultation. Having joined Appraisers and Planners from a position as executive director at a leading appraisal and consulting firm, Sharon brings a wealth of diversified experience, seasoned professional skills and a platinum industry reputation to Appraisers and Planners.

Now, in the 21st Century, Appraisers and Planners has expanded to serve major northeast markets including Philadelphia and continues its tradition as a leading, highly esteemed appraisal and real estate consulting resource for clients seeking the highest quality analysis and service.