Our seasoned team of appraisal experts brings a wealth of industry knowledge and a commitment to excellence, ensuring precision and reliability in evaluating property values. With a collective dedication to staying ahead of market trends, our dynamic team is poised to provide you with insightful, accurate, and forward-thinking appraisal services, tailored to meet your unique needs.

Tammy Woelfl - M.Sc, CRA, P.App
President / Senior Appraiser

tammy@evolveappraisals.com

Tammy leads Evolve with a passion for dedication, honesty, and a personable people-first mindset. She completed her Bachelor of Physical Education and Honours in Kinesiology at Brock University, continuing with a Master’s Degree in Criminology. After working in the service industry, she obtained her Real Estate License. This branch of work is organic to Tammy, and it was inevitable that she would continue in her family’s footsteps.  Since childhood, she has been on numerous construction sites watching her father build family homes in the Niagara Region. In 2009, Tammy began her journey with property appraisals in a commercial capacity. She streamlined into residential appraisal services in 2012. 

Tammy founded Evolve Appraisal Services Inc. in 2022, recognizing Niagara’s need for specialized appraisal services with a strong customer service experience.  She is not afraid to take on difficult assignments and thrives on challenges.  A true professional determined to instill the values of integrity and trust with her clients and utilize her extensive knowledge in the industry.  Tammy specializes in litigation work: matrimonial, estate, and luxury home appraisals. She has an open-door policy in all capacities and cannot turn down a good craft beer.

Jenny Ruthven
Operations Manager

jenny@evolveappraisals.com

Jenny is the backbone of Evolve Appraisal Services! With over 15 years of service in various real estate capacities, she has gained paramount experience in client relations, marketing, management, and specialized support. As a former ‘military brat’, she is equipped with the ability to handle every predicament that comes her way. She focuses on crucial aspects like social media and customized administrative tasks. Ambitious, motivated, and dedicated barely describe the qualities Jenny naturally possesses. With her enthusiastic (obsessive) approach to spreadsheets and organization, her passion and commitment to Evolve and the team are unparalleled. Her adaptive style is unrivaled in today’s ever-changing world.

Jenny’s sincere intention is customer respect and upholding integrity. In her non-existent spare time, you can find Jenny in nature, adoring her pup, or watching scary movies.

Chris Lavell - BAcc
AIC Candidate Appraiser

chris@evolveappraisals.com

Chris is a Candidate Member with the Appraisal Institute of Canada. He started his journey as a Real Estate Appraiser in 2016. Chris’s career began in accounting and finance, where he completed his Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting with Honors from Brock University. This extensive background in finance adds depth to his expertise in the appraisal industry.

Chris was born and raised in St. Catharines, providing him with a vast knowledge base of the area. His work encompasses single-family detached and attached dwellings, rural properties, townhomes, multi-residential properties (up to four units), condominiums, and new construction properties. Chris enjoys the challenge and pace of residential appraisals and has a keen eye for detail and accuracy. He is passionate about staying up to date with the housing market in Niagara. During the summer months, Chris enjoys playing slo-pitch and rarely misses a Blue Jays game.

Megan Punter - B.Sc.Env
AIC Candidate Member

megan@evolveappraisals.com

Megan joins Evolve Appraisals with drive and ambition. She grew up in Niagara and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science at the University of Guelph. This background allowed her to gain comprehensive knowledge in analyzing and assessing hazardous materials in private, commercial, and industrial buildings. Megan’s interest in Real Estate began as a child, making the pivot into this profession seamless. She is currently completing her CRA designation through the Appraisal Institute of Canada. With her previous experience, Megan has learned to cultivate relationships and has a keen eye for detail and precision.

Although she has left the path of Environmental Science, Megan can be found in nature - hiking or gardening, and especially traveling!

“Working with Tammy was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had with an appraiser. She was thorough and guided us through the whole experience. We are very happy and thankful for Tammy!

FAQs

  • Market value is the price a property would most likely sell for in a competitive and open market, on a specific date. It assumes both the buyer and seller are well-informed, acting in their best interests, and not under any pressure to buy or sell.

  • Appraisers use three main methods to determine a property’s value:

    1. Direct Comparison Approach: This is the most common method for residential properties. It looks at recent sales of similar homes in the area and adjusts for differences like size, condition, or features.

    2. Cost Approach: This method estimates what it would cost to rebuild the home from scratch today, adds the value of the land, and then subtracts depreciation (wear and tear). It’s most useful for new or custom-built homes.

    3. Income Approach: Typically used for rental or commercial properties, this method looks at how much income the property could generate. That expected income is then used to estimate the property’s value.

    Depending on the property, an appraiser might use one or a combination of these approaches to come up with a fair and accurate value.

  • Why choose an appraiser with AIC designation?

    Appraisers have no vested interest in whether or not a property sells—they provide an independent, unbiased opinion of value.

    Many financial institutions, lawyers, courts, the Canada Revenue Agency, and other government bodies specifically require appraisal reports prepared by a Designated Member of the Appraisal Institute of Canada (AIC)—either a CRA or AACI. This is because AIC-designated appraisers undergo extensive training, including at least seven university-level courses through the University of British Columbia’s Sauder School of Business, along with a structured mentoring program.

    On top of that, AIC members carry superior liability insurance, offering additional peace of mind.

    An appraisal report is typically much more detailed and reliable than a simple opinion of value—making it a trusted tool for major decisions like financing, legal matters, or tax purposes.

  • The appraisal report belongs to the person or party who requested it—this is called the “client.” Only the client is entitled to receive a copy of the report, regardless of who actually paid for the appraisal.

    For example, in a mortgage financing situation, if the lender or mortgage broker orders the appraisal, they are the client and the only ones who receive the report.