Appraisal & Consulting

Coming down for the count…soft landing - by David Kirk

GDP looks like a full three for Q3. Actual Q3, 2.8 q/q, good enough. And inflation at two for the 12 months of the most recent period based on Personal Expenditures Consumer Price Index. With expected unemployment of 4.1% for October, employment has so many points of light, it’s bright. Actual unemployment from DOL?

Interest rates - Not so fast! - by William Pastuszek

Long awaited, the Federal Reserve dropped the “benchmark” federal funds rate to the 4.75 to 5% range, a 50 basis point drop. The statement from the Fed’s rate-setting committee noted the decrease was made “in light of the progress on inflation and the balance of risks.

Appraisers rely heavily on information provided by the owner or client when doing appraisal “inspections” - by Dennis Chanski

Dennis Chanski is principal of Speno Chanski Appraisal Associates, LLC, Hebron, Conn. ...

Commercial real estate property in the fall - by David Kirk

The Counselors of Real Estate (CRE) did not disappoint in NYC. Out of the box at the annual meeting of the CRE, NYC is active, if not vibrant. A grand variety of sub market volcanic eruptions. The five Burroughs are caring and sharing. And transactions are occurring and activity ramping.

Back to the office?? Say it ain’t so! - by Daniel Calano

It’s been only about six months since I wrote an article on why remote work was here to stay, a way of life. The data showed that, at a minimum, working from home would be most of the time, with perhaps only a few visits to the office to catch up, meet up, and see what’s new.

AI, appraisals and appraisers - by William Pastuszek

It’s not a generalization to say that appraisers and the appraisal profession are deliberative, and can be hesitant to change without proven reasons to do so. But change is here. Appraisers are now faced with evaluating AI technology and how the technology can-and-will-impact appraisal theory and practice. This technology has evolved in the past couple of years to have capabilities that appraisers can use to their advantage.

The rising tide of apartment tax assessments in Connecticut: A property owner’s perspective - by Josephine Aberle

Connecticut, often recognized for its picturesque landscapes, quaint towns, and proximity to major metropolitan areas, has been a desirable place for property owners, especially for those investing in apartment buildings. However, recent years have seen a significant rise in apartment tax assessments,

Fall is a time for change - A good time to take a leap forward - by David Kirk

Fall is a time for change. The last summer romp and first frost, at least in the northeast. A good time to take a leap forward. Pardon the shorthand and flagrant redundancy, deliberated to reflect the rhythm that is apparent.

Real estate: Times are a’changing - by Daniel Calano

In a former life, I was an urban planner in Los Angeles for a year or so. Planning, you say, Los Angeles? Really? Early on, I learned that planning and building in places like L.A. are ephemeral at best. In fact, I was told an L.A. building life span was about 25 years, after which it was demolished for a newer and better use.

2024 mid-year residential musings - by William Pastuszek

Halfway through the year, dealing with high mortgage rates, thin inventories, and unsatisfying amount of sales data, make understanding residential markets as challenging as ever. Let’s take a mid-summer step back and take a look at the state of markets. Following is a discussion of residential market issues.