A good appraiser is like a good accountant
Any appraiser can get it done. But only the right appraiser will take the time to understand your situation — and get it done right.
Sophisticated commercial property owners know this from experience. Far from a commodity, an appraisal is an opinion of value generated by a human being. Since every opinion is influenced by personal experience, judgment, motivation, work ethic, risk tolerance, and more, no two appraisals are ever the same.
This is why who you choose matters.
What our former clients wanted you to know
Paulette C. ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
Executor of Estate
36,000 square foot 24-Unit Apartment Building
This is the third time that my company is using this appraisal firm. We have found them to be extremely detailed and professional. Recently I needed an urgent appraisal. Brian promised me a “turn-around” at a very short notice to his office. He has delivered. I like how they do business, professional, detailed, quality work and with great efficiency.
Valentina S. ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
CEO/Prospective Buyer
40,000 square foot Industrial Property
Brian and his team are excellent professionals of integrity. They provide exceptional service and are very responsive to the needs of their clients. Specifically, Brian worked very closely with my company to get a detailed appraisal completed in immediate fashion. They will be my select appraisal firm and I highly recommend their services.
Jack M. ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
President
10,465 square foot Industrial Property on 2 acres
I needed an appraisal and contacted several appraisers. I chose this company. I was very pleased with the results. They got to work right away and presented me with a finished appraisal on time. My lawyer asked for some minor changes and they took care of it immediately. Very professional and helped me with all my questions.
Dr. Nadia A. ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
Owner/Seller
5,600 square foot Medical Office Building
I did a great deal of research and due diligence in trying to find an appraiser. I am very lucky that I found this company. Brian and his team are extraordinarily professional. They do excellent work at a very fair and reasonable price. You don’t have to look any further for a great appraisal company!
Carol V. ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
Owner
11,000 square foot Mixed Use Building
They were totally professional and always accessible. Brian was available every time I had a question. He showed great patience in obtaining the necessary information to make a really accurate appraisal which encompassed numerous pages that informed and explained his methods and conclusions.
Catherine B. ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
Owner/Seller
15.17 acre Plot Subdivision
We feel so fortunate to have found this company to assist us in appraising our property. Our appraiser, Brian was incredibly professional from start to finish. A pleasure to work with! I highly recommend using Brian for his high level of dedication he puts into his work.
Gary K. ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
Attorney
2,326 square foot Restaurant
The firm is well educated in the valuation of commercial space. They were professional in every way. They were extremely responsive to my client and the lawyer in my office assigned to the litigation for which an opinion was sought. I highly recommend them.
Lou K. ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
Owner/Seller
1,300 square foot Industrial Building
If anyone should ask for a recommendation for your service, I would be more than happy to supply them with a 5-star response: They were very professional and produced our appraisal in a very timely manner. I will call them in the future if necessary.
Barbara B. ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
Owner/Seller
3,270 square foot Mixed Use Property
If you are looking for an appraiser who is honest and professional, you have found the one. Brian went above and beyond to get me the answers I needed and quickly. He was a pleasure to work with and extremely knowledgeable. Thank you, Barbara.
Sedat S. ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
Owner
3,300 square foot Medical Office Building
From start to finish, the experience has been very good. The appraiser arrived on time for the appointment, the appraisal report was received within 2 weeks, and price was also very reasonable. I would highly recommend this company.
Mary C. ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
Owner/Seller
10,052 square foot Retail Property & Air Rights
I had a most positive experience with Brian, who was courteous, informative and immediately followed up with any inquiries I had. The appraisal and report were executed in a timely manner. I would definitely recommend this company.
Pattyann O. ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
Executor of Estate
1 acre Development Site
This firm is 100% professional. Brian was courteous and on point. He proceeded in expedient fashion. I highly recommend Brian & his agency. I give them 5 stars across the board! I will be using this diligent firm in the future.
Richard L. ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
Real Estate Broker
6,500 square foot Religious Facility
Five stars for me. Brian and his team were super helpful in getting a complete appraisal for a building I was looking to sell. He answered all my questions and the turnaround time was pretty quick. Highly recommend.
Kevin K. ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
Bishop/Owner
7,000 square foot Religious Facility
I highly recommend the professional appraisal work of Brian & Steve. They are easy to communicate with and produced a comprehensive report us! They will be my “go-to” for future projects.
Brad K. ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
Prospective Buyer
15,000 square foot Office/Warehouse
Arrived at appointment time, gave approximate date of completion and finished work ahead of schedule. Textbook customer service, would highly recommend.
Christine D. ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
Owner/Seller
3,900 square foot Industrial Property
Prompt and expert service. They showed up on time and I received the appraisal promptly, as they said I would. I would highly recommend their services.
David H. ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
Shareholder
94,835 square foot Mixed Use Cooperative
My experience with this firm has been an excellent one. They are helpful, responsive, efficient, and personable. I highly recommend their services.
Mehul S. ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
Prospective Buyer
16,268 square foot Mixed Use Property
Great to work with Brian. Prompt response. Reasonable pricing. He even advised me on a property without charging, would definitely use them again.
Paul S. ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
Owner/Developer
3,670 square foot Medical Office Building
Quick response to all correspondence, timely arrival and received my report well within the expected time frame. Very highly recommended.
Mike M. ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
Facility Manager
255,275 square foot Religious Facility
Service was quick, detailed and tailored to what we needed and asked for. Price also very reasonable. Could not be happier.
Robert K. ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
Board Member
19,578 square foot Banquet/Social Hall
Professional, courteous, prompt, thorough. That’s what this company is all about. Will use them again!
John C. ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
Owner/Seller
2,000 square foot Medical Office
Thank you for your professionalism, another great job done and at the right cost. Highly recommend.
Gregory B. ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
Real Estate Broker
7,800 square foot Religious Facility
Brian provide excellent service with timely turnaround preparing a very thorough appraisal report.
Laura S. ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
Owner
20,500 square foot 23-Unit Apartment Building
Very professional and efficient. Would definitely recommend. Brian is very nice to deal with.
Amber M. ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
Buyer/Developer
2,500 square foot Religious Building
They did two appraisals for me on properties. They were fast and provided a great service!
Rose E. ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
Executor of Estate
3,200 square foot Mixed Use Building
Very responsive. Appraiser came right on time. I would definitely recommend.
Nicolette I. ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
Executor of Estate
20,000 square foot Seven-Property Portfolio
Best commercial appraisal company! Fast, professional, knowledgeable.
Chris H. ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
Owner/Seller
1,800 square foot Retail Strip
These guys are total pros. I recommend them highly!
Peter S. ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
Attorney/Developer
6,078 square foot Mixed Use Building
Very responsive and professional. I’m a developer.
Jill B. ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
Loan Processor for Mortgage Holder
12,000 square foot Religious Facility
Very happy with my experience with this company.
Emmet A. ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
Owner
8,469 square foot Mixed Use Building
Great service. Very thorough and diligent.
Rich C. ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
Trustee
30,000 square foot Car Rental Lot
Extremely prompt and professional service!
Richard V. ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
Attorney for the Owner
6,100 square foot Retail Property
Professional and courteous.
Doug L. ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
Owner/Seller
4,200 square foot Chain Restaurant
Frank B. ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
Attorney for the Seller
7,800 square foot Unit Apartment Building
Jason B. ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
Tenant
1,900 square foot Restaurant
Kevin F. ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
Executor of Estate
4,500 square foot Office Property
Kevin P. ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
Owner
27,157 square foot Mixed Use Building
Linda L. ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
Owner
5,691 square foot 8-Unit Mixed Use Building
Maureen W. ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
Attorney
4,500 square foot Mixed Use / Redevelopment Site
Patricia H. ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
Owner
12,380 square foot 18-Unit Apartment Building
Paul S. ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
Attorney
85,870 square foot Medical Office Building
Rachael & Alicia L. ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
Owners/Sellers
1,948 square foot Mixed Use Property
Richard M. ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
Project Manager
229,738 square foot Mixed Use Building
Richard P. ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
Executor of Estate
1,558 square foot Mixed Use Building
Scott B. ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
Owner
5,395 square foot Diner
Steve P. ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
Prospective Buyer
4,711 square foot Restaurant
Tom G. ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
Owner
13,412 square foot 23-Unit Apartment Building
Vito T. ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
Executor of Estate
8,450 square foot Auto Repair Facility
Here’s what you need to know before hiring any appraiser…
1. Just because we’re all licensed by the state doesn’t mean we’re all created equal
Just like a tax return, an appraisal is not a commodity. It matters who you hire.
As with accountants and lawyers, we have a set methodology we must follow. But as with those professions, there are many decisions we must make along the way. These decisions must be based on real insight into your situation, experience with the market—and most importantly, skill at research.
If you could just run a computer algorithm to figure out the value of your property, you’d better believe someone would have invented it by now. In fact, people have spent millions of dollars trying. It can’t be done, because insight, experience, and research are the key factors for formulating appraisals.
None of these can be aped by a computer.
But none of these can be faked by a human being either.
The upshot?
You will get very divergent numbers depending on who you hire. You absolutely must find an appraiser who understands your situation, and will put in the research time to get an optimal value. Unfortunately, this often doesn’t happen, because of the second thing you need to know…2. For most commercial appraisers, their real client is the bank
Property valuations are often off-target, not just because the appraiser lacks insight, experience, or research skill—but because he doesn’t use them.
Why would he not, you ask? Isn’t that literally his job?
Well, unfortunately most appraisers really work for a bank or big mortgage provider…not you.
How can this be when you are the one paying them? Simple: the bank sends them dozens of appraisal requests every month—the lion’s share of their work. In contrast, you’ve sent them one. So naturally, the bank dictates their priorities, their focus, their appraisal methodology, and their approach to other customers.
What this boils down to is quantity over quality.
Your appraisal is just one more widget to churn out of the factory, so you get shunted into an impersonal appraisal production line—a production line created to meet the bank’s needs rather than yours.
For these appraisers, your business means nearly nothing compared to the bank’s. Because of this, they will never take your appraisal as seriously as you do.
- They don’t have any incentive to return your phone calls promptly…
- Or take your deadlines seriously…
- Or even ask why you need an appraisal in the first place!
In short, they don’t want to engage with you beyond getting the most basic details of the job, so they can add it to their queue.
Now, you shouldn’t believe everything you read on the internet. So we’d encourage you to ring around and see for yourself. You’ll discover that nearly everyone works along the lines of, “I can get to that in a month. I’ll get you on my calendar. Goodbye.” Ask them if they’ll keep you updated with progress. Ask them…
- “Can we sit down to discuss my situation, and the implications for me of a high or low figure?”
- “Can you explain your valuation process, and what research you will do?”
- “Can you walk me through the appraisal report once it’s finished, and help me understand the decisions you made to determine the value?”
See what they say.
How we are different
We don’t work with big banks, and we don’t think customers should be treated as items on a production line! So we make every effort to look after every customer—because we live and die by you. In fact, we rather like you. We’re always interested in learning what you need, and how we can best help. We keep a proactive line of communication open throughout the appraisal process, and are happy to answer your questions or explain our work. Our mission is to be responsive, reachable, and helpful.3. Your appraised value depends greatly on the research skills of your appraiser
The fact is, property appraisal is not like watching Antiques Roadshow. We don’t just visit your property, look at it, and put our finger in the air to figure out how much it is worth.
Visiting the property is only the first step in what is best described as a research project.
For example…
Even two identical properties, one behind another, can have quite different values. One may have a street view, the other not; one may be fronting a thoroughfare, and the other on a side street. Knowing the difference in value means knowing the foot-traffic through each street, the demographics of that traffic, possible retail options, reasonable rent—and any number of other things.An appraisal really is all about research. It’s not an intuitive gut reaction. Experience and intuition are critical foundations, but fundamentally this is a data-driven process based on the actual market. Like the stock market, this is constantly changing, and there are constantly new factors coming into play. A ton of research is therefore required after seeing the property, to be sure of a fair and accurate valuation.
Obviously you need to trust that your appraiser will actually spend the time doing this research! It is not a transparent process, where you can look over his shoulder to make sure he does the work—or ask to see it all later.
Because of this, when you hire an appraiser, you want to be confident he is going to do the actual work required. You want to be sure he isn’t just banging out a report on a production line, picking a bunch of numbers that are “good enough” in his opinion. It is easy to spot these kinds of appraisers: again, they generally just want to book a time to do the job, and then send you the report when they’re finished. They seldom ask many questions about your situation, or why you need the appraisal—because they don’t care. Who the appraisal is for, and why you need it, don’t factor into their thinking.
Our approach
A bulk approach to appraisals will always have to sacrifice quality and accuracy on the altar of fast turnarounds at budget prices. This is why we don’t take a bulk approach. Every client matters to us, and every client gets our best. We make sure we understand their situation before beginning work, and we make sure we do our research, so we can determine the right figure for our valuation.
If this sounds like the approach you’d like to take as well, why not give us a call?
Services
We are intimately familiar with every kind of commercial appraisal situation. Whatever you need your commercial appraisal for, we know the ropes—and can help you through the hoops.
- Buying
- Divorce
- Estate planning (gifts, trusts)
- Estate settlement (executors)
- Financing (hard money/private lenders)
- Lease negotiations (market rent studies)
- Litigation
- Partner buyout/sellout
- Selling
Service area map
Our team of state-certified appraisers are dispersed throughout Florida’s 67 counties. Whether you’re in the panhandle, northeast, central or south, we’ve got you covered with experienced appraisers in your area. Click on any county below to see how much of it we service.