Court-Recognized Real Estate Appraisers
Serving Nova Scotia & Eastern Ontario
Our Team of Court-Recognized Residential Appraisers
Abacus Residential Appraisals is a team of designated residential and commercial real estate appraisers providing independent valuation services across Nova Scotia and the Ottawa region. Since 2013, our professionals have delivered unbiased appraisal reports relied upon by homeowners, lenders, legal professionals, and courts.
Our appraisers adhere to the Canadian Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (CUSPAP), ensuring
every valuation is objective, defensible, and supported by market evidence. Our team combines local market expertise, professional designations, and years of practical appraisal experience to provide credible opinions of value in complex financial and legal situations.
Owner & Court-Recognized Residential Real Estate Appraiser, David Dawood founded Abacus Residential Appraisals in 2013 with a commitment to providing independent, unbiased residential property valuations grounded in professional standards and market evidence.
Since establishing the firm, he has completed thousands of residential appraisal assignments, assisting clients throughout Nova Scotia and Eastern Ontario with reliable and defensible opinions of value.
His practice includes appraisal services related to mortgage financing, refinancing, and insurance, with a particular focus on estate settlement, matrimonial matters, and litigation support, where objective analysis and professional independence are essential.
Recognized as an expert witness by the Supreme Court and Family Court, David is known for delivering clear, well-supported appraisal reports relied upon by legal professionals, financial institutions, and private clients.
His work emphasizes impartial analysis, transparency, and helping clients make informed real estate decisions during complex or challenging circumstances.
Mike Matheson holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from McGill University and the designation of Canadian Residential Appraiser (CRA) from the Appraisal Institute of Canada.
He has provided independent residential property valuation services throughout Nova Scotia for well over a decade, with a particular focus on communities across Western and Southern Nova Scotia. As a member of the Abacus Appraisals, Mike has prepared objective and well-supported appraisal reports relied upon by legal professionals, financial institutions, and homeowners across the province.
Mike’s appraisal practice is grounded in detailed market research, thorough property analysis, and strict adherence to the Canadian Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (CUSPAP). He has experience completing residential appraisal assignments for mortgage financing and refinancing, estate and probate matters, matrimonial proceedings, private valuation consultations, and other situations requiring credible and defensible opinions of value.
His approach emphasizes independence, clear communication, and careful evaluation of market evidence to support informed client decision-making.
Through his work across Nova Scotia, Mike contributes to Abacus Residential Appraisals’ reputation for professional service, impartial analysis, and dependable residential appraisal reporting.
Adam Payn holds a Master of Business Administration degree from Dalhousie University and the Accredited Appraiser Canadian Institute (AACI) designation from the Appraisal Institute of Canada.
Adam also holds the Member Appraisal Institute (MAI) designation, the most prestigious professional credential awarded by the Appraisal Institute in the United States.
Adam has worked in markets across Canada and the US. Currently, he divides his time between Nova Scotia, Texas, and Florida, where his expertise and extensive experience are in high demand.
Serving Abacus clients with their commercial appraisal needs, Adam is exactly as advertised: a trusted, consummate professional who is incredibly detail-oriented and provides unbiased appraisal and consulting services. His approach emphasizes impartial analysis, careful research, and clear, well-supported reporting, helping our clients understand the factors influencing their property’s value to make informed real estate decisions.
Adam's provides commercial valuation expertise that complements the firm’s established residential practice and commitment to professional, independent appraisal services.
Wendy Mckee, B.IB.
Wendy Mckee holds a Bachelor of International Business degree from Carleton University and studied at Sciences Po in Paris. She is pursuing a designation from the Appraisal Institute of Canada and provides residential appraisal services throughout Eastern Ontario.
She has completed all academic requirements for the Canadian Residential Appraiser (CRA) designation through the UBC Sauder School of Business and is currently in the final stages of the Applied Experience Program, with a designation expected soon.
Wendy is recognized for her diligence, attention to detail, and exceptional work ethic. As a key member of the Ottawa team, she helps deliver credible, well-supported residential appraisal reports that clients and professionals can rely on for financing, legal, and advisory purposes.
Her work reflects Abacus Residential Appraisals’ commitment to independence, professionalism, and evidence-based valuation analysis.
Zen Zhang, M.Des.
Zen Zhang holds a Master of Design degree from Nova Scotia College of Art and Design and is currently pursuing a designation from the Appraisal Institute of Canada.
Before entering the appraisal profession, and providing residential appraisal services throughout Nova Scotia, Zen gained experience in design, retail banking, and residential real estate as a licensed Realtor in Nova Scotia. This diverse background gives Zen a strong understanding of market dynamics, property analysis, and client service in residential real estate.
Zen is known for an stringent analytical approach, adaptability, and strong attention to detail. As an emerging appraisal professional, Zen helps prepare thorough, well-supported valuation reports grounded in market evidence and professional standards, and reflects Abacus Residential Appraisals’ commitment to independence, accuracy, and objective residential property valuation.
Raja Balakrishnan holds a Mechanical Engineering degree from the University of Madras and a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) license in Alberta and Saskatchewan.
Raja brings an exceptional combination of professional engineering expertise, extensive post-secondary education, and real estate valuation training to Abacus Residential Appraisals.
Raja has more than 25 years of professional engineering experience which spans two continents, supported by an extensive academic and technical background. His education and engineering career have built a strong foundation in analytical problem-solving, construction and building systems, technical analysis, mechanical machinery and equipment analysis, detailed reporting, and careful interpretation of complex information—skills that translate exceptionally well to real estate and equipment and machinery appraisals.
Raja is currently a Candidate of the Appraisal Institute of Canada, pursuing his designation.
Zoë Brown holds a Master of Science degree from McGill University and has been working at Abacus Appraisals throughout her post-secondary education.
Zoë has been a valued member of the Abacus Residential Appraisals team since May 2016, serving as Senior Administrator and supporting operations across both Nova Scotia and Eastern Ontario.
Working behind the scenes remotely, Zoë plays an essential role in helping streamline internal processes to ensure efficient and reliable service delivery. Her education, experience, and organizational expertise help maintain the high standard of professionalism clients and partners expect when working with Abacus Residential Appraisals.
Known for her dedication, attention to detail, and commitment to client service, Zoë remains an integral part of the firm’s continued growth and day-to-day success.