The Appraisal Process

The valuation process is accomplished through specific steps.  The number of steps followed depends on the intended use of the assignment results, the nature or the property, the scope of work deemed appropriate for the assignment, and the availability of data.  The model provides a pattern that can be used in any appraisal assignment to perform market research and data analysis, to apply appraisal techniques, and to integrate the results of these activities into an opinion of defined value.  In addition to assisting appraisers in their work, models that apply the valuation process are recognized by the market of appraisal users and facilitate their understanding of appraisal conclusions. 

Research begins after the appraisal problem has been identified and the scope of work required to solve the problem has been determined.  The analysis of data relevant to the problem starts with an investigation of trends observed at the market level:  international, national, regional, or neighborhood.  This investigation (i.e., the market analysis) helps the appraiser understand the interrelationships among the principles, forces, and factors that affect real property value in the specific market area.  Research also provides raw data from which the appraiser can extract quantitative information and other evidence of market trends.  Such trends may include positive or negative percentage changes in property value over a number of years, the population movement into an area, and the number of employment opportunities available and their effect on the purchasing power of potential property users. 

In assignments to develop an opinion of market value, the ultimate goal of the valuation process is a well-supported value conclusion that reflects all of the pertinent factors that influence the market value of the property being appraised.  To achieve this goal, an appraiser studies a property from three different viewpoints, which are referred to as the approaches to value. 

• In the cost approach, value is estimated as the current cost of reproducing or replacing the improvements (including an appropriate entrepreneurial incentive or profit), minus the loss in value from depreciation, plus land value. 

• In the sales comparison approach, value is indicated by recent sales of comparable properties in the market. 

• In the income capitalization approach, value is indicated by a property's earning power, based on the capitalization of income. 

Traditionally, specific appraisal techniques are applied within the three approaches to derive indications of real property value.  One or more approaches to value may be used depending on which approaches are necessary to produce credible assignment results, given the intended use. 

The three approaches are interrelated.  Each requires the gathering and analysis of data that pertains to the property being appraised.  

From the approaches applied, the appraiser develops separate indications of value for the property being appraised.  To complete the valuation process, the appraiser integrates the information drawn from market research, data analysis, and the application of the approaches to reach a value conclusion.  This conclusion may be presented as a single point estimate of value or, if the assignment permits, as a range within which the value may fall (or as a point referenced from a benchmark).  An effective integration of all the elements in the process depends on the appraiser's skill, experience, and judgment."  A report of the appraiser's findings and conclusions (verbal or written) is ultimately submitted to the client.