Understanding the Appraisal Process for Commercial Real Estate

July 14, 2023
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Table of Contents

Introduction

Making sense of the commercial real estate appraisal process can be overwhelming, especially for first-time buyers and sellers. In this article, we will break down the appraisal process by discussing what to expect, the purpose of an appraisal, the process, how to prepare for your appraisal, the common types of appraisals, factors that influence the appraised value, and more. Plus, we'll answer the most frequently asked questions about Commercial Real Estate appraisals.

What to Expect from a Commercial Real Estate Appraisal

? When it comes to commercial real estate, appraisals are needed to provide an accurate value of the property. Appraisals provide a range of opinions regarding the assessment of different types of properties, including land, industrial, office, retail, and residential. Each appraisal report typically includes an opinion about the highest and best use of the property along with an estimated evaluation of the property's current fair market value. Throughout the appraisal process, the appraiser will consider a range of variables including the condition of the property, its features, and neighborhood market trends. The appraiser will also often conduct an in-depth analysis of comparably priced properties in surrounding areas. After the inspection and analysis are completed, the appraiser will prepare a report that includes comparisons, photographs, market data, and a final value opinion. When a commercial real estate appraisal is completed, the report can be used to determine current market value for myriad reasons. This may include financing, negotiation, and sale of the property. Ultimately, knowing what to expect from the appraisal process can help ensure that the property is valued accurately.

What is the Purpose of a Commercial Real Estate Appraisal

? The purpose of a commercial real estate appraisal is to provide an independent, third-party opinion of value. This value reflects current market trends and potential financing for the property. Appraisals can help buyers and lenders make informed decisions, as well as help business owners set a realistic price when buying or selling a property. Appraisers typically conduct on-site inspections, investigate the buyer’s current financial situation, and even assess the local economy and market trends. Once this information is gathered, the appraiser will calculate an accurate, unbiased estimate of the property’s value. This estimate is then used by buyers, lenders, or business owners for a variety of decisions or transactions involving the property. Ultimately, an appraisal helps protect against overpaying for a property or taking out a loan for an amount that is too high. It is an essential tool in commercial real estate and is often a requirement of most sales or financing transactions.

The Process of Commercial Real Estate Appraisal

Commercial real estate appraisals involve a detailed assessment of a property’s market value and earning potential. The process includes a review of the subject property’s physical features, performance data, local trends, and macroeconomic factors. For accuracy, it's important to analyze data from different sources, consult with industry experts, and identify specific value-drivers. After assembling the research data, the appraiser will identify the highest and best use of the property. This allows the appraiser to more accurately assess the property’s market value and make adjustments as necessary. The appraiser may also use direct and indirect capitalization techniques to estimate economic rent, and other methods to estimate value. Finally, the appraiser will tie all the data together, analyze it, and prepare a written report. The appraisal process requires diligence, knowledge, and experience to ensure accuracy. While the details of the process vary from property to property, these steps provide insight into the general methodology used for commercial real estate appraisals.

Preparing for Your Commercial Real Estate Appraisal

An accurate commercial real estate appraisal relies on thorough preparation beforehand. Before having an appraisal conducted, you should take time to collect any important documentation or materials necessary for the process. This may include sales contracts, business plans, financial statements, lease agreements, photos of the property, financial projections, and any other documents related to the rental or sale of the property. Additionally, it's important to have a good sense of the property's geographical area and recent local developments, as these can greatly influence the value of the property. Being organized and prepared will help simplify the appraisal process and ensure that your appraisal is handled quickly and accurately. A knowledgeable appraisal professional can help guide you through the preparation process and can suggest additional materials or documents you may need to make the appraisal a success.

Common Types of Commercial Real Estate Appraisals

- What Is Included? There are a variety of different types of appraisals for commercial real estate, depending on the needs of the client. Throughout the appraisal process, data is collected and analyzed regarding the physical and economic characteristics of the property and the surrounding areas. Depending on the type of appraisal, the appraiser can consider other factors such as zoning permits, special purpose arrangements, tenancy arrangements, and capital improvements to a property. The most commonly used commercial appraisals include: • Cost Approach – which looks at the cost of constructing a new property. • Income Capitalization Approach – which looks at the past, current, and potential income of the property. • Sales Comparison Approach – which looks at the market value by comparing sales of similar properties in close proximity. By understanding the components included in a commercial appraisal report, you can ensure the accuracy of the appraised value and make sure the report contains all the necessary information required by lenders and buyers.

Factors That Influence Commercial Real Estate Appraisals

When appraising commercial real estate, there are many factors to consider. Location is a primary concern, as certain areas tend to have higher desirability than others. Additionally, factors such as the condition of the building and its systems, surrounding infrastructure and access, local tax rates, and any zoning restrictions in the area can all have a significant impact on the value of the property. The amount of development plan that is in place can also influence commercial property value as it indicates the potential for future growth. Finally, comparable properties and recent sales in the same area should be taken into account when appraising a commercial property. All of these factors and more will help generate an accurate appraisal of a commercial property.

Evaluating Your Commercial Real Estate Appraisal Report

: What Should I Look For? When looking at your commercial real estate appraisal report, there are a few key things to keep in mind. First, make sure that the report is thorough and complete. This includes an accurate description of the property, a detailed assessment of its worth, and a comparison to similar properties in the area. Additionally, check that the report is reasonable and objective, based on reliable data. It is also important to take note of any assumptions that have been made, as well as any corrected or revised data. An honest and professional appraisal will make these corrections very clear, but this information could also be used to double-check your appraisal report. Finally, make sure to read any disclaimers carefully. Most appraisal reports will include a disclaimer that explicitly states that the appraisal is only an estimate, and should not be used for legal or other purposes. Understanding the terms of any disclaimers included in your report will help you make the best decisions for your commercial real estate.

Tax implications of Commercial Real Estate Appraisals

Tax implications of Commercial Real Estate Appraisals can be complex and varied. It's important to understand how taxes can affect the appraisal process and its results. When an appraisal is conducted for a commercial property, the taxes that are applicable need to be factored in to the evaluation. Certain types of taxes, such as personal property tax, capital gains, and income tax may have to be taken into account to ensure an accurate assessment. In addition, the value and eligibility for tax advantages and deductions may have to be assessed during the appraisal process. When filing taxes, it is important to consider the tax implications of a commercial real estate appraisal, as they may change the way the appraisal is conducted and reported. All of these considerations must be taken into account to ensure the integrity of the appraisal and to ensure that any taxes associated with the property are properly reported.

FAQs Regarding Commercial Real Estate Appraisals

Q: What are the benefits of a commercial appraisal? A: When you hire a professional appraiser to report on the value of commercial real estate, you receive multiple benefits. Most importantly, you get an honest, objective opinion of value from a licensed expert who works independently from all parties. An appraisal also objectively contributes to negotiations between parties who may have different ideas about the worth of a property. It also provides a comprehensive report that includes market analysis of the area, which is invaluable for informed decision-making. Finally, employing a certified appraiser lends credibility and assurance of quality to your transaction. In addition, if it goes to court, most judges prefer the testimony of appraisers that have experience in the industry and knowledge of local markets.

Why Hire a Professional Appraiser for Commercial Real Estate

? When it comes to commercial real estate, you want to make sure that you are getting the most accurate appraisal for your investment. It is important to hire a professional appraiser who will research the market and analyze the data in order to provide an accurate assessment of the property you are considering. Professional appraisers have the necessary tools, experience, and training to provide reliable evaluations that help you make the best decision when it comes to such a big investment. Moreover, professional appraisers are aware of the rules and regulations of each state, and they can provide you with an accurate appraisal that accounts for any local laws that may be related to the transaction. With their in-depth knowledge of the industry, appraisers can identify any potential risks involved in the purchase and suggest ways to minimize them. By outsourcing the evaluation to a reputable appraisal firm, you can rest assured that the assessment you receive is compliant with all regulations and is thoroughly researched, accurate, and reliable. An experienced professional appraiser will make sure that all variables and contingencies are taken into account, and you can be confident that the appraisal you receive is customized to suit your needs.

Conclusion

Appraisals for commercial real estate may be a complex process but you don't have to do it alone. At AppraiseItNow, we have professional appraisers who can help you with appraisal services for commercial and residential properties. With the right experts on your side, you can be sure you are getting an accurate estimate of the value of your property.

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