FAQ: Key Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Valuation Expert

What Questions Should I Ask Before Hiring a Valuation Expert?

Before hiring a valuation expert, you should ask about their credentials, experience, methodology, industry knowledge, and whether their reports comply with standards required by lenders, courts, or investors. Choosing the right expert isn’t just about cost—it’s about accuracy, credibility, and strategic insight.

Why This Question Matters

Valuation reports are used for high-stakes decisions: selling a business, bringing on investors, settling disputes, securing SBA loans, or planning an exit. An unqualified or inexperienced consultant can produce misleading valuations that cost you time, money, or legal credibility.

According to the National Association of Certified Valuators and Analysts (NACVA), credentialed professionals must follow specific methodologies and standards—ensuring that valuations are defensible, objective, and based on best practices.

Related Questions Clients Often Ask

• How do I know if a valuation expert is qualified?

• What should a proper valuation report include?

• Do I need a certified valuation for a loan or legal matter?

• What’s the difference between a calculation of value and a full valuation?

• Can any CPA perform a valuation?

  
  

Must-Ask Questions Before You Hire

Use this list to vet your valuation expert effectively:

✅ What are your credentials?

• Look for designations like CVA (Certified Valuation Analyst), ASA (Accredited Senior Appraiser), or ABV (Accredited in Business Valuation).

• Avoid generalists without valuation-specific training or credentials (like your tax accountant, even if they are a CPA).

✅ What types of valuations do you specialize in?

• Make sure they have experience relevant to your situation—e.g., SBA loans, partnerships, divorce, exit planning, etc.

  
  

✅ Can you walk me through your process?

• A quality expert should explain their process clearly, including data collection, normalization of financials, and valuation methods used (income, market, asset).

  
  

✅ Will your report meet the requirements of lenders, courts, or the SBA?

• For SBA loans and legal cases, the report must meet specific standards. Ask if the report will be USPAP or SBA-compliant, if needed.

  
  

✅ What kind of support do you provide after the report is delivered?

• Will they help explain the report to a buyer, lender, attorney, or business partner? Post-valuation support matters.

  
  

✅ How do you price your services?

• Understand if the pricing is flat-fee or hourly. Ask what’s included (e.g., financial analysis, industry benchmarking, revisions).

  
  

Tips for Hiring the Right Expert

• Check reviews and referrals. Ask your CPA, attorney, or banker who they trust.

• Request a sample report. Look for clarity, logic, and compliance with industry norms.

• Verify credentials. You can confirm CVAs through NACVA’s member directory.

  
  

Final Thoughts

A valuation consultant is more than a number-cruncher—they’re a strategic partner. The right expert will help you understand, defend, and grow the value of your business.

We invite you to ask us these questions about our Business Valuation service. Book a Discovery Call to get started.