We’re excited to share our next chapter! As recently featured in Strictly Business Omaha, Kubert Appraisal Group has officially rebranded to OmegaVal (Omega Valuation Group). Our new identity reflects the continued evolution of our company while maintaining the commitment to quality, professionalism, and trusted valuation services our clients have come to know. We invite you to learn more about this exciting milestone and what it means for our future.
OmegaVal Welcomes Vinny Blackford To The Team!
Omega Valuation Group is pleased to announce the addition of Vinny Blackford to the team as a Research Intern. Vinny is currently pursuing a degree in Business Administration at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Vinny assists the OmegaVal team with research and analysis and getting practical experiences in the appraisal process.
Kubert Appraisal Group Announces Official Rebranding to OmegaVal
Leading regional commercial real estate appraisal firm updates name to reflect team-driven growth, expanded capabilities, and dynamic market solutions.
LINCOLN, NE — July 22, 2026 — Kubert Appraisal Group, one of the region’s largest and most trusted commercial real estate appraisal firms, today announced it has officially adopted the trade name OmegaVal (Omega Valuation Group). The rebranding marks a significant milestone in the company’s evolution from a solo practice into a powerhouse team of valuation experts.
Founded in 2018 as a single-appraiser operation working out of a basement, the firm has experienced exponential growth over the last eight years. Today, OmegaVal boasts a robust, integrated team of appraisers, analysts, and dedicated support staff capable of navigating the most complex market landscapes.
“This name change represents an important evolution of our company,” said owner, Thomas Kubert. “By 2026, the scope of our company had become much larger than any one person. OmegaVal is a true group effort, and our new name reflects the dynamic, team-driven firm we have built to better serve our clients.”
Same Core Team, Expanded Capabilities
While the name on the door has changed, the firm’s core mission remains exactly the same. Clients will continue to receive the professional, reliable valuation products they depend on when making critical financial decisions.
For OmegaVal’s clients, the transition will be seamless:
No Operational Changes: Clients will work with the same trusted team members and advisors.
Uncompromised Quality: The firm remains dedicated to providing top-tier, quality analysis in complex commercial markets.
Enhanced Scope: The new brand better encapsulates the firm’s scaled capacity to handle large-scale and intricate valuation assignments.
“The most important message we want to send to our industry partners is that nothing changes for our clients,” the firm emphasized. “We are the same company, with the same team members, providing the same high-quality appraisal services—just with a new name that matches the scale of our collective expertise.”
The transition to OmegaVal is effective immediately. The firm’s digital presence, including its website and communications, will transition to the new branding over the coming weeks.
About OmegaVal: OmegaVal (Omega Valuation Group) is a premier commercial real estate appraisal firm designed to serve clients navigating complex markets. Founded in 2018 the firm has grown into one of the largest appraisal practices in the region. OmegaVal provides reliable, high-quality valuation analysis that clients can depend on when making important financial decisions.
OmegaVal Welcomes Wyatt Jensen To The Team!
OmegaVal is pleased to announce the addition of Wyatt Jensen to the team as a Research Analyst. Wyatt recently graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance with a minor in Management. While gaining hands-on-experience as an appraiser, Wyatt is assisting with property inspections, research, analysis, and working on various types of appraisal reports.
Appraisal Services for Property Assessment Tax Appeal
Commercial Property Assessment Appeals
Introductory Comments
In addition to general real estate appraisal service, Kubert Appraisal Group provides specialized appraisal services such as appraisal reviews; property tax assessment issues; eminent domain valuations; conservation easements, insurance values; estate planning; appraisals for gifting properties and/or IRS reporting purposes; portfolio valuation; real estate market and feasibility analyses; as well as litigation support, including expert witness testimony.
- This document is a summary of the appeal process and potential integration of appraisal services into the process. Nothing in this document should be considered legal advice and if legal advice is needed, please contact a licensed attorney.
- This document is provided by Kubert Appraisal Group, P.C. and is intended for use by existing and potential clients of Kubert Appraisal Group, P.C. and generally represents our opinions. Any other users of this document should not rely on this information without seeking appropriate professional guidance.
- As reminder: The filing of appeals is the responsibility of the owner and/or representatives, and not the responsibly of Kubert Appraisal Group.
Our experience is that exceptions are not likely when a filing deadline is missed in the appeal process. This applies to both the local protest in June, as well as the appeal to the Tax Equalization and Review Commission. - In general, the local Board of Equalization assessment appeal process has experienced a reduced level of review and a less taxpayer friendly process in recent years. In fact, I consider appeals to be far less likely to be resolved at the Board of Equalization level than ever before.
- As a general comment, there are plenty of real estate agents/brokers and private citizens who will offer to represent property owners in the appeal process. I view this as a waste of money for the property owner because these parties providing opinions of value for tax appeal are violating Nebraska Statues. Further, I have seen such people convicted of Class III misdemeanors associated with providing these valuation services.
- It is also true that a market analysis or a brokers price opinion done for property tax appeal purposes also generally violates Nebraska Statues. As a result, these opinions of value carry very little weight when appealing property assessments.
Assessment Appeal Process
Here is a quick overview of the assessment appeal process, along with my comments in italics:
Local Preliminary Values posted on-line: About January 15
Informal Appeals to County: An informal process in late January into February for informal voluntary discussions with Assessor’s office. This step is often represented as a mandatory step in the appeal process but is actually an informal voluntary step in the appeal process.
This process has allowed some revisions of value prior to final values being submitted in late March to the State for review. Some success related to reductions by class seem to have been considered. However, we have seen limited success at this level for individual property values. This informal meeting seems to be more related to the education of taxpayers on the local assessment process and fact gathering by the County. The informal appeals are voluntary and not a part of the formal appeal process. Most of our clients do not participate at this level of the appeal process. There is no need for an expert appraisal opinion at this point in the appeal process.
Local Final Values Issued- June 1 (Protest Period ending June 30) – The filing of local protest is the first required step to the appeal process, so timely filing of the appeal is essential.
Formal Appeal (Protest) – Local Board of Equalization – (Typically late June through late July.) This is a hearing with a Referee who is a contractor with the local Board of Equalization who then makes a recommendation to the Board of Equalization.
In the last few years, this process has seen a significant drop in the review process. Several changes have made it more difficult to have meaningful discussions based on the need to submit all information at the hearing, as well as a reduced level of independent value review by the Referees. These changes have further diminished the likelihood of resolution at this level of appeal. Most of our clients maintain an active protest, but do not participate at this level of the appeal process. There is no need for an expert appraisal opinion at this point in the appeal process. Note: All data submitted during this hearing is considered to be public information which may be available by request from the County Clerk’s Office.
Final Board of Equalization (BOE) Decision – Early August Appeal period for Tax Equalization and Review
Commission (TERC) – 30 days from final local BOE decision. The filing of the appeal to TERC is the second required step to the appeal process, so timely filing of the TERC appeal is essential.
TERC Case Progression- This where the appeal takes a more legally formal format, and the process slows down significantly. We are seeing cases take 6 to 36 months to progress from filing to actual hearing in front of TERC.
My experience is that appeals that progress to a formal TERC hearing are both expensive and unpredictable. With many of our clients, this is the point in the process where the case can best be resolved. In fact, most cases are resolved prior to the actual TERC Hearing.
This is the point in the appeal process that I think qualified appraisal services are best utilized. With other tax appeal clients, I have utilized a multi-step process for best utilizing our appraisal services at this point in the appeal process. Each client approaches thisstage of the appeal process slightly different, as some steps can be combined or omitted as needed. A summary of the potential steps is as follows:
- Oral Consultation (Desk Review) – At this level appraisal services, we gather all the public information, property rent roll, and income/expense data. We complete a desk review to assist the client in the decision process. This review can be completed at any point in the overall appeal process but is likely most relevant after a TERC appeal is filed. The oral consultation cost typically ranges from $900 to $3,000+ per property depending on the complexity of the property and analysis needed.
- Restricted Appraisal Reports- At this level of appraisal services, we progress to a written document as an initial step or based on the previous desk review. This level of appraisal services traditionally includes an on-site interior/exterior inspection. A Restricted Appraisal Report provides a summary of the appraisal analysis and data with a value conclusion but does not contain the detail of a traditional full appraisal report. The use of a Restricted Appraisal Report is limited to negotiations for settlement purposes with the County. At this point in the process, the negotiations have historically been with the County Attorney’s Office. The restricted appraisal reports are typically priced at 60-75% of a full appraisal report.
- Full Appraisal Report – At this level of appraisal services, we can start here, or we convert the oral consultation and/or restricted appraisal report to a full appraisal report. In all cases the full appraisal report is intended as the basis of testimony at TERC. This report is more self-contained and is more comparable to the full appraisal reports used in litigation and mortgage lending. The full appraisal reports costs range from $5,000 to $11,000+ depending on the complexity of the property and analysis needed.
Final Comments
- We try to adapt the previous list of appraisal services to the needs of each client.
- Appraisal services for each client are based on a written agreement.
- Please let me know if you have questions or comments.
PAAB Ruling Sets New Standard for Ethanol Plant Assessments
The Iowa Property Assessment Appeal Board (PAAB) issues a decision in agreement with the analysis and conclusion testified to by Thomas W. Kubert of Kubert Appraisal Group. This case involved the property tax assessment of an ethanol plant in Jewell, Iowa owned by POET Biorefining-Jewell, LLC vs. the Hamilton County Board of Review.
“This case sets an important precedent for the assessment of ethanol plants in the State of Iowa. We are pleased that the PAAB was receptive to our appraisal analysis as the basis of our testimony.”
– Tom Kubert
Thomas W. Kubert Speaks to Loan Officers on USPAP, Fair Lending, and Appraisal Bias
Thomas W. Kubert, MAI, CCIM provided a presentaton of Understanding Fair Lending and Bias in Appraisals to a meeting of loan oficers and credit analysts at Cornhusker Bank in Lincoln, NE. According to Tom, “Understanding how the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) required in appraisals relates to the loan underwriting process can assist the bank in maintaining the correct client expectations”.
Rhett Safranek Joins Kubert Appraisal Group, P.C.
Kubert Appraisal Group P.C. is pleased to announce the addition of Rhett Safranek to the team as a Research Analyst. Rhett recently graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, with a degree in Business Administration with distinction, and an emphasis in Business Management. While working on his coursework to become a Certified General Appraiser, Rhett is hands on learning appraisal report writing, by assisting with research and analysis.
Mary Kate Dorn Joins Kubert Appraisal Group, P.C.
Kubert Appraisal Group P.C. is pleased to announce the addition of Mary Kate Dorn to the team as a Research Analyst. Mary Kate brings with her experiences from working for Farm Credit Services of America, Hudl, and an internship with Sandhills Publishing. Mary Kate graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, with a degree in Agribusiness/Agricultural Business Operations. While working on the coursework to become a Certified General Appraiser, Mary Kate is continuing to learn about appraisal report writing, by assisting with research and analysis.
Jake Palm Achieves Certified General Real Estate Property Appraiser
Kubert Appraisal Group P.C. is pleased to announce that Jake Palm has earned his Certified General Real Estate Property Appraiser designation from the Nebraska Real Property Appraiser Board, and is continuing working towards his MAI, while working on appraisal reports primarily in agricultural, industrial, and special-purpose properties.