Appraisal & Consulting

Connecticut addresses residential appraiser shortage by allowing Practical Applications of Real Estate Appraisal

Effective May 29, 2025 the state of Connecticut has implemented updates to the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies, informally known as the Appraisal Regulations, which would permit appraisal applicants to qualify to sit for the Appraisal Licensing Exam. Over the course of several months, beginning in November of 2024,

AI marries other AI… for better or worse - by Daniel Calano

Have you recently been writing using Microsoft Word, and it finishes a sentence for you? Were you thrilled, or mad that it said something you did not want? Did you even notice?

Conn. hospitality market: A technical appraisal perspective on market dynamics and valuation challenges (2019-2025)

The Connecticut hospitality market has demonstrated uneven recovery patterns between 2019 and 2025, with boutique and historic properties achieving $125 RevPAR in 2025, up 8.7% from the 2019 level. Coastal resort properties achieved a $105 RevPAR in 2025, representing 10.5% growth since 2019.

Interest rate redux: Yet another factor - by Daniel Calano

Last month, I wrote about the basic factors that kept interest rates high, and thus building or buying houses, as well as commercial projects, difficult to pursue. Factors included the Fed, bank, fears of inflation, wars, etc. It is complicated. Give it a read.

What’s up with commercial real estate in Greater Hartford? Trends, twists & tales from the trenches - by Josephine Aberle

If commercial real estate in Greater Hartford were a sitcom, it would be somewhere between The Office and Survivor – a quirky mix of familiar routines, unexpected plot twists, and the occasional high-stakes drama. For those of us working in the field – brokers, appraisers, developers, property managers – it’s not just a job, it’s a front-row seat

Addressing the undersupply of housing due to surging needs - by Brian Royce

With apartment vacancy rates low, rents high, home-ownership out of reach for many residents and homelessness rising year after year, many communities in the Northeast are experiencing a housing crisis.

Condominium community: Unwinding under duress - by Daniel Calano

Over the last several years, I have personally witnessed, and in one case, participated in, the “unwinding” of a residential condominium structure. The reason for, and process of, has often been recent climatic destruction such a hurricane or fire. But, as in the case of the tragic southeast Florida building collapse, it can simply be old age deterioration, outdated building codes,

The focus on price per s/f compared to the comparable sales used in the appraisal report - by Dennis Chanski

Over the past several weeks, I have completed appraisal assignments for private clients. Interestingly, after submitting these appraisals, I received several phone calls – not to question the value, content, or any incorrect information, but rather to discuss the price per s/f compared to the comparable sales used in the report.

Tariffs: Existential threat, or serious real estate impacts

You must know from all the news, that “Trump tariffs” have been recently reviewed, discussed, evaluated, and as promised, implemented swiftly. But, they have also been modified, reduced or increased, just as fast and somewhat quixotically.

CT Chapter of the Appraisal Institute and The Land Trust Alliance join forces to assist with “Yellow Book” appraisals

The Connecticut Chapter of the Appraisal Institute and The Land Trust Alliance have joined forces to provide an opportunity for appraisers interested in improving their ability to perform “Yellow Book” appraisals. The course entitled “Uniform Standards for Federal Land Acquisitions: Practical Application,” will be offered May 5th and May 6th at the Courtyard by Marriott in Orange, Conn.