Welcome to the Terra Western Associates website. This section will give you background on our company and its primary associates.
After over 20 years as an independent appraiser, and independent contractor to other companies, Kim Bennett, Ph.D., ARA established Terra Western Associates in Big Timber, Montana in 2005. In the 1980’s the general appraisal industry began to be extensively regulated and appraisers have been held to higher and higher standards ever since. Because of the liability involved in the appraisal world many older, more seasoned, rural appraisers are not willing to take on appraiser trainees and with this fact the number of rural appraisers has begun to dwindle. Due to the lack of new appraisers the base of appraisers in many states is becoming smaller and smaller. Terra Western Associates was formed to give our clients a choice in appraisal companies and appraisers. Through our associations we can deliver timely, high quality, reports in many areas around Montana and Wyoming. To date, our associates have over 100 years of combined experience in the appraisal field.
- Kim C. Bennett, Ph.D., ARA – Kim is the President and founder of Terra Western Associates and as of 2023 is celebrating her 41st year as a rural land appraiser. She began her appraisal career at Security Pacific Bank in Visalia, CA. She was then associated with Sierra Western Agricultural Services, Inc. for seven years in Exeter, CA. In 1991 Kim moved to Montana to start a family and has been appraising rural properties in Montana and Wyoming for the past 34 years. with a total of 41 years of experience in real estate appraisal, sales, and consulting. She has performed a wide variety of rural appraisal assignments including large ranches, dairies, farms, USFS inholdings, and recreational properties. She also has 25 years of experience in the appraisal of conservation easements. Kim is certified general in Montana and Wyoming. Kim has been a licensed Montana real estate broker since 1999. You can find Kim’s qualifications link at the top of this page.
- Tanner M. Colvin, Appraisal Trainee, MT – Mr. Colvin started his appraisal careen in July 2024 and is supervised by Dr. Bennett. He specializes in rural properties such as farm and ranch while working toward licensure. His goal is to perform quality appraisals for varied properties. Mr. Colvin has Bachelor of Arts degree from Montana State University graduating in 2014. He has an advanced certificate in UX/UI Design from University of Oregon as well.
