As a MAI designated commercial appraiser, over the past 10 years, I have conducted a couple of thousand commercial property inspections, and each inspection is as unique as the commercial property appraisal. During an inspection I am typically accompanied by the owner or the owner’s agent. Most times the inspections are uneventful, and the owner/agent is helpful in providing insightful property, neighborhood and market area information needed to complete a comprehensive appraisal of the subject property. However, there have been occasions when the inspection becomes eventful –
The Helpful Owner
I do occasionally encounter owners who want to point out all the subject property’s current or planned amenities that they believe will significantly impact the value. Earlier this year I appraised an office park complex located parallel to a major highway in central Ohio. I was advised by the lender that the complex was fully leased and thus the income approach would be required. During the inspection, the owner shared that he thought it was vital that I consider the fact that he could have a billboard on his property which would generate additional income. Further, the owner spent a considerable amount of time sharing his marketing brochures to clearly demonstrate the type of tenants he would soon have in the complex. At the time of the inspection, the owner was the only tenant in the office complex, while the lender thought the property was fully leased.
The Fearful Tenant
