James Berry, SRA

I was born in Sacramento, CA, and lived around Northern California for the first ten years of my life. That being said, when someone asks me where I am from, I say, “the Great Northwest!” I lived in and around Portland, OR, for most of my younger years and most of my family is still lives there.

Sometimes people ask why I moved to Naples. The basis of my decision was to, “Live the adventure!” In response to that sentiment, I sold almost everything I owned and bought a one-way ticket to Florida to find that adventure. I moved to Naples in 2003 after completing my degree in Theology and Youth Ministry at Multnomah University.

In mid-2005, I became a full-time property appraiser. After gathering extensive experience with a local appraisal office, I opened my own firm in 2008 and began the exciting journey of building my business. Since 2005, I have valued in excess of 5,000 residential properties. Since 2008, I have appraised more than 2.2 billion dollars worth in residential properties.

Apart from work, I have a lovely wife, Jenna, and three young kids that keep us on our toes!

Matt Grubbs

Matt was born in Griffin, Georgia, just south of Atlanta. Matt grew up in Fort Myers, FL, graduating from Fort Myers High School and attending Edison College. In his free time, he enjoys cycling, kayaking, and fishing throughout Southwest Florida. Matt is also an avid photographer and enjoys taking photos alongside his wife and daughter.  His work in the appraisal industry began in 2004 when he became a Registered Trainee Appraiser. In 2007, Matt became a State Certified Appraiser and has become an expert in the Lee and Collier County residential markets with over 10 years of valuation experience. Matt’s appraisal education includes coursework through the Appraisal Institute, Mckissock Real Estate School, and the Academy of Real Estate in Fort Myers. He is also a HUD/FHA approved appraiser.

Jeff Braat

Jeffrey dedicates his expertise exclusively to managing the office at Candid Appraisals. Jeffrey is currently a Registered Trainee Appraiser and is on the path to becoming a Certified Residential Appraiser. He obtained his Associates Degree in Business Management and Supervision at Florida Southwestern State College in Naples, FL. Currently, he is finishing his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Analytics at the University of South Florida as a Senior. Jeffrey began his career at Candid Appraisals in 2012.