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A.  The real estate administrator shall select one or more persons to make the estimate of just compensation except when the estimate is expected to exceed the amount of thirty thousand dollars in which case he shall select two or more persons.  However, when the department cannot amicably acquire clear title to property solely for reasons unrelated to the amount of just compensation to be paid such as unopened successions, absentee defendants, or partial interests, one person shall be selected to make the estimate regardless of the amount.  The estimate shall be performed by either a real estate appraiser or real estate specialist in the regular employ of the department or a licensed Louisiana appraiser certified pursuant to the Louisiana Real Estate Appraisers Law.  The person performing the estimate shall be familiar with land values in the vicinity of the property to be taken and shall conduct the appraisal in accordance with real estate appraisal guidelines.

B.  Each estimator in determining the extent of the owner’s loss shall consider the replacement value of the property taken.

C.  Prior to filing its petition, the department shall provide to the owner the following information with respect to each estimate of the owner’s loss.

(1)  The name, address, and qualifications of the person or persons preparing the estimate.

(2)  The amount of the estimate.

(3)  A description of the methodology used in the estimate.

(4)  Upon request by the owner, a copy of the estimate prepared by each estimator.

Added by Acts 1954, No. 107, §1 eff. June 24, 1954; Amended by Acts 1974, Ex.Sess., No. 30, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1975; Acts 1988, No. 882, §1; Acts 1989, No. 124, §1, eff. June 22, 1989; Acts 1989, No. 736, §1; Acts 2001, No. 56, §1; Acts 2003, No. 341, §2; Acts 2006, No. 727, §1, eff. June 29, 2006.