Your Appraisal Journey Starts with Us.

Meet the Team

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
Owner/Senior Appraiser

Tammy leads Evolve with a passion for dedication, honesty, and a personable people-first mind set. 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 stream-lined into residential appraisal services in 2012. 

Evolve Appraisal Services Inc. was founded in October 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 is the backbone of Evolve Appraisal Services! With over 15 years of serving 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 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 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!

Jacalyn Ridley, B.A.
AIC Candidate Member

Jacalyn attended McMaster University where she obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Arts, with Honours in Communications in 2010.  She resided in Guelph working for corporations in Marketing and decided to move back to the Niagara Region in 2012, where she began her journey as a Residential Real Estate Appraiser.  She has a natural ability to create positive relationships and experiences. Jacalyn has developed a strong knowledge of Real Estate in the Niagara Region and is dedicated to providing quality appraisal assignments. You can guarantee your interactions with Jacalyn will be professional, honest, and exceptional. She is currently completing her CRA designation from the University of British Columbia. 

 Jacalyn thoroughly enjoys visiting wineries and local culinary experiences throughout Niagara. She is known to host amazing dinner parties with endless courses.

Jon Wellington
AIC Candidate Member

Jon’s journey is as flavorful as his personality! A seasoned traveler and explorer, Jon has lived an adventurous life that has taken him around the world and back. After living in Australia for a time, he returned to the Niagara area, and immersed himself in the restaurant industry. His infectious social character and natural ability to connect with people made him a favorite among patrons and colleagues.

In 2007, Jon embarked on a new adventure, in the real estate industry. His knack for connecting with people and understanding their needs helped him thrive in this dynamic field. Always eager to expand his horizons, Jon transitioned into appraisal, bringing his extensive knowledge and unique perspective to the team.

Jon is not just an asset; he’s a powerhouse of energy and enthusiasm. His spicy attitude isn't just metaphorical – he’s also the proud founder of a successful hot sauce business, where his passion for bold flavors comes to life.


“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 most probable price which a property should bring in a competitive and open market as of the specified date under all conditions requisite to a fair sale, the buyer and seller each acting prudently and knowledgeably and assuming the price is not affected by undue stimulus.

  • There are three approaches to value used by appraisers. They are the direct comparison approach, the cost approach and the income approach. One or more of these three approaches is used in any appraisal. The cost approach uses the cost of land plus the cost of reproducing or replacing the home and subtracts the amount of depreciation of the home. This approach is mostly useful when valuing new homes. The direct comparison approach is the most valuable in most residential appraisals. It looks at similar properties which have sold in the subject property's market, and then these sales are adjusted for differences between the sales and the subject. The income approach is generally used for commercial properties. In this approach the anticipated benefits (cash flows and reversion) are converted into a property value.

  • An appraiser has no vested interest in the property transaction taking place.

    Often financial institutions, lawyers, courts, the Canada Revenue Agency and other government agencies will require an Appraisal Institute of Canada designated member (CRA or AACI) prepare your appraisal report. This is due to the extensive educational training and mentor program the Appraisal Institute of Canada has in place. Designated members of the Appraisal Institute of Canada must undergo a minimum of 7 specific University level appraisal courses through the University of BC, Sauder School of Business. In addition, members of the Appraisal Institute of Canada carry superior liability insurance.

    An appraisal report is often a more detailed report overall than an opinion of value.

  • The report belongs to the person or party who initiated the appraisal request, otherwise known as the “client”. It is the client who receives a copy of the appraisal report and nobody else. It does not matter who pays for the appraisal. In a mortgage financing context, it is the broker or lender who made the original request who receives a copy of the appraisal.