Stolen: The Eminent Domain Podcast

Eminent Domain Appraisals – Property Valuation, Before-and-After Value, and Getting Fair Compensation

Episode Summary:In this episode of Stolen, Attorney Chad Brown and his guest discuss one of the most critical elements in any eminent domain case — the appraisal. They explain how appraisals determine fair compensation for property owners, the qualifications required to become an appraiser, and why understanding the appraisal process can make or break your case. The conversation also dives into how appraisers assess property value before and after a government taking, common homeowner mistakes, and how hiring your own appraiser can lead to better results.
Key Timestamps:
00:00 – Understanding the importance of appraisals in eminent domain cases.01:30 – Explaining the basic concept and purpose of appraisals.03:00 – How property valuation differs in each scenario.05:00 – Determining before-and-after property values.07:10 – Education, certifications, and required experience.10:00 – Why eminent domain appraisals require specialized knowledge.12:20 – On-site inspections, photos, and public records review.15:00 – How appraisers use “comps” to determine value.17:30 – Why state-hired appraisers aren’t always truly neutral.19:30 – How an independent appraisal can strengthen your case.21:30 – Why understanding appraisals protects property owners from unfair compensation.
About the Show:Stolen is an educational podcast focused on property rights and eminent domain law. Hosted by Attorney Chad Brown, each episode explores how government land takings work, the legal challenges property owners face, and how to ensure fair compensation when property is condemned.

The Eminent Domain Process- Pre-Litigation, Right-of-Way Agents, and First Offers

Episode Summary:In this episode of Stolen, Attorney Chad Brown breaks down the pre-litigation phase of eminent domain, explaining how property owners can protect their rights before legal action begins. Learn how government projects start, the role of right of way agents, the importance of appraisals, and why early engagement is critical to ensuring fair compensation.
 
Key Takeaways & Timestamps:
01:10 – Pre-litigation vs. litigation explained.05:00 – Public need, legislative decisions, and local government involvement.08:30 – Why early engagement matters.13:50 – Who they are, what they can—and cannot—do.08:30 – How property values are determined and why it matters.21:00 – Preparing for the process and protecting your property rights.
 
About the Show:Stolen is the world’s leading podcast on eminent domain and land condemnation. Attorney Chad Brown walks property owners through the complex legal process of government takings, providing actionable guidance to protect property rights and secure fair compensation.

Eminent Domain 101 - Public Use, Just Compensation, and the Condemnation Process

Episode Summary:In this episode of Stolen, Attorney Chad Brown breaks down eminent domain and land condemnation, providing a clear overview of what property owners need to know. From the historical roots of eminent domain in Rome and England to the modern U.S. legal framework, Chad explains how public use and just compensation are determined, and why property owners often need professional guidance to ensure fair treatment when the government takes their land.
 
Key Takeaways:
00:50 – Government’s inherent right to take private property for public benefit.03:00 – Understanding the legal process vs. the government’s right.05:00 – Not all cases go to court—how settlements work.07:30 – From Rome to England’s Magna Carta to the U.S. Constitution.10:00 – Federal, state, local governments, and utility companies.14:30 – Ensuring takings benefit the general public.15:00 – How courts allow private development if public benefits are met.17:30 – Determining fair market value at the date of property taking.20:00 – Holding the government accountable for fair compensation.
About the Show:Stolen is the leading podcast on eminent domain and land condemnation. Attorney Chad Brown guides property owners through the complex legal landscape, explaining their rights, protections, and the process for receiving just compensation when the government takes private property.

Why Eminent Domain Feels Like Theft - Welcome to the Stolen Podcast

Episode Summary:
In this first episode of Stolen: The Eminent Domain Podcast, Attorney Chad Brown introduces the mission behind the show — protecting property owners from unfair government land takings. He’s joined by Attorney Caleb Wheeler, head of the Eminent Domain Division at Chad Brown Law, who explains how the process works, what rights landowners have, and why legal representation is key. Together, they share how property ownership connects to freedom, stability, and community growth.
Key Timestamps:
00:20: What is Stolen and why this podcast exists01:00: The rise of eminent domain cases across the South02:00: How government expansion projects impact property owners03:30: Why landowners must understand property value and compensation05:00: Inside the Chad Brown Law eminent domain division07:00: What an eminent domain or land condemnation attorney actually does09:00: Why most property owners don’t hire attorneys — and why they should11:00: Caleb’s background and how he entered eminent domain law14:30: How personal experience as a homeowner shapes his advocacy17:00: Why property ownership is central to American freedom and stability
Guest Information:
Attorney Caleb Wheeler is the Head of the Eminent Domain Division at Chad Brown Law. He represents property owners facing government land takings, ensuring they receive fair compensation and a strong legal defense. With a background in real estate and litigation, Caleb combines strategic negotiation with a deep understanding of property rights law.
About the Show:
Stolen: The Eminent Domain Podcast is hosted by Attorney Chad Brown, founder of Chad Brown Law. Each episode explores real cases and expert insights around eminent domain, land condemnation, and property rights — helping landowners protect their property and understand their legal options.