At Webster & Associates, Inc., we don’t just value properties—we bring clarity, credibility, and decades of proven expertise to every appraisal we deliver. Founded in 1986 by James H. Webster, MAI, SRA, the firm has become a cornerstone of trusted valuation services in Central Illinois and beyond. Jim began appraising in 1973 after earning his B.S. in Real Estate and Urban Economics from Ohio State University, and has since built a reputation for delivering sound, defensible appraisals across a wide range of property types. With experience appraising for banks, government agencies, attorneys, and private clients, Jim has handled everything from mixed-use commercial buildings to rural farmland. His leadership in the industry extends far beyond valuation—he’s taught appraisal coursework at Parkland College, served as an expert witness in litigation across Douglas, Piatt, Macon, Crawford, and Champaign counties, and held numerous roles within professional appraisal organizations, including President of the Appraisal Institute's Central Illinois Chapter and Vice President of SREA Chapter #166. His credentials include the SRA and the prestigious MAI designation, which he has held since 1994.
Jim is a certified general real estate appraiser in the state of Illinois and has worked extensively as a review appraiser for institutions such as HUD and FNMA. He is known for his methodical approach, clarity in complex valuations, and deep commitment to ongoing professional education—having completed dozens of seminars and advanced coursework through the Appraisal Institute over his five-decade career. As President of Webster & Associates, Jim continues to provide leadership and mentorship, ensuring that every assignment meets the highest standards of objectivity, accuracy, and professional ethics.
Carrying forward that same tradition of excellence is Joseph M. Webster, MAI, R/W-AC, who serves as the firm’s Executive Vice President. Joe brings a dynamic, modern approach to valuation—grounded in rigorous education, extensive field experience, and specialized credentials. He holds both a Bachelor’s in Finance and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Southern Illinois University, and joined Webster & Associates full-time in 2006 after previous roles as a research assistant for the SIU Department of Finance and a staff investigator for the Chicago Board of Trade. Since then, Joe has distinguished himself through an unwavering commitment to continuing education. He has completed over 30 advanced appraisal courses through the Appraisal Institute and International Right of Way Association, covering specialized topics such as easement valuation, partial acquisitions, affordable housing, medical office buildings, and convenience stores.
Joe is a MAI-designated member of the Appraisal Institute and holds the R/W-AC (Right-of-Way – Appraisal Certification) from the International Right of Way Association. He is also an Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) approved appraiser, which speaks to his qualifications in highly regulated and complex valuation assignments. As an expert witness, Joe has provided testimony in legal cases across Champaign, Macon, McLean, Moultrie, Peoria, and Sangamon counties. In 2015, he authored the article "A Discussion of Excess Land Concepts and Theory" in The Appraisal Journal, earning the Swango Award for outstanding contribution to the field of appraisal. Joe’s well-rounded expertise, analytical skills, and client-focused approach make him a go-to appraiser for both standard and highly complex assignments.
Together, James and Joseph Webster represent a rare combination of legacy experience and forward-thinking valuation knowledge. Whether you're ordering an appraisal for lending, litigation, acquisition, or investment, you can count on Webster & Associates, Inc. to deliver trustworthy, comprehensive analysis backed by decades of real-world insight and nationally recognized credentials.