My name is Dean Zibas, and I have appraised residential properties in Southern California since 1992. It is a profession I have loved and appreciated since I first took an interest in it.

Southern California has been my home since my family moved out west to Altadena in the early 1960’s. After graduating from Arcadia High School in 1978, I went on the California State University at Long Beach, where I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing. A few years later I was accepted to graduate school at Chapman University (then Chapman College), where I earned my MBA in 1990.

A lifelong friend of mine once asked me what I was going to be after graduating with a business degree, and I answered “a businessman!” My first years after college found me working in the marketing field, in such roles as a cable television advertising manager, business market analyst and product manager. My last position before pursuing appraising was as product manager for upstart sports card company Upper Deck, where I played a pivotal roll in lifting that company from obscurity to leading a sport card revival craze in its first two years! It was great working with and designing marketing programs for notable star athletes such as Joe Montana, Wayne Gretzky, Reggie Jackson, Eric Dickerson and many others. However, at that time I made the difficult decision to make a move that I had been considering for a while - to appraising real estate. I would leave my comfort zone and venture into a challenging but interesting profession.

I began my appraisal career in 1992, taking the required introductory coursework and learning from a supervisor and fellow appraisers at a fairly large appraisal company in El Cajon. After some time I went out on my own, where I formed Zibas Appraisal in Orange County. Through the years I continued to hone my craft, taking numerous courses, attending seminars and webinars, networking with experienced appraisers and simply gaining experience in all different types of properties year after year. I became a mentor to other appraisers as well as contributed to articles in various newspaper and magazines, including the Orange County Register business section and Orange County HOME magazine. For a time I dabbled with hiring staff appraisers but quickly abandoned that idea, as I came to the realization that appraisals are not commodities but rather specialized studies - one that if Zibas Appraisal took responsibility then I would do each and every appraisal myself. After over 33 years I still enjoy the challenge and reward of appraising properties.

I look forward to appraising your home soon!