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Cap Rate Follies 

Capitalization rates are often controversial and misunderstood variables in commercial real estate valuation equations. To value properties, most buyers and sellers prefer an income approach, which analyzes cash flows to determine debt service and investor return — typically the internal

Evaluating Appraisals 

During most commercial real estate sale transactions, an appraiser is required to value the property and issue a report. However, both experienced and new users of appraisal services often are not aware of the type of report they need and

Cap Rate Crazy? 

In today&rsquo s market, investors, lenders with REO assets, and property owners are trying to maintain as much value as possible in commercial investment property sales. Appraisals are the first step in that process. Appraisers determine value either by comparing

Questions Auditors Ask 

Debt valuation is affected not only by fluctuating market rates, but also by the methods used to perform the valuations. While the volatile rate environment of the financial crisis has dissipated, the heightened scrutiny auditors now apply to the methods

Off the Fence 

After years of owning and operating a unique entertainment destination on the outskirts of Williamsburg, Va., Jack Barnett faced a tough financial decision sell the 79.6 acre property, which had been owned by his family for nearly 50 years, or

The Pricing Gap Narrows 

The chasm between bid and ask prices that emerged after the commercial real estate market plummeted in 2008 has narrowed significantly, and in some cases, disappeared altogether. “In 2008 and 2009, there was a definitive disconnect in pricing. At the

The Auction Alternative 

Each year, auctions are used to sell billions of dollars of commercial real estate. Once thought useful only for disposing of problem and hard to sell properties, auctions are gaining popularity as an effective sales strategy for all types of

The Affordability Question 

Highland Park, Ill., a Chicago suburb where the median home price is $430,000, recently passed a zoning ordinance mandating that 20 percent of new multifamily developments with five or more units must be sold as affordable housing. It's an indication

Is The Price Right? 

A broker's client asks him to evaluate a real estate asset. After looking up the property's assessment records, the broker discovers that it's a one of a kind, special purpose property. He suddenly wishes he had more time to prepare,

The Valuation Trap 

Appraisals in today’s market are not for the faint of heart. Comparable sales are scarce, markets are changing quickly, and rules and regulations are stricter than ever. One false step could imperil even the most solid transactions. “Today, there can