Appraisal & Consulting

The value of industrial buildings these days - by Eric Reenstierna

When we peel back the veneer and see how industrial buildings tick, we find that the same factors that made them more or less valuable in 1996 still apply today. Pick a building up, move it five miles down the highway, and you may find that it has gone up or down in value by 20%.

Reporting changes: What you need to know about proposed 2020 USPAP changes - by Bill Pastuszek

Reporting is at the heart of what appraisers do. Whatever was done, good or bad, to reach the conclusion gets communicated mostly through written appraisal reports. Here are some things to know about proposed 2020 USPAP changes currently being exposed.

Highest and best use analysis in a hot market - by Maria Hopkins

As developable land becomes more and more scarce especially in the Eastern area of the state, those wanting new construction have often had to buy an existing house and gut renovate or demolish and rebuild.

Compliance: Why would it take so long to get it right? - by Wayne Valliere

As a field practitioner, I have often wondered, about the Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA) forms not being USPAP compliant (Why aren’t FNMA Forms USPAP compliant?). I guess FNMA, either hasn’t heard of USPAP; or like most federal and state government agencies, just don’t care.

Self-storage market: A changing environment - by David Ubaghs

As of early 2018, the national self-storage market fundamentals are recovering following a pause in 2017 as illustrated by first quarter reports from the public REITs. Following the recession, the self-storage environment was characterized by increased acquisition of existing facilities

Market for green and high performance homes expands - by Brad Hevenor

The emerging market for green and high performance homes continues to expand into the residential real estate mainstream in southern New England. The shift in demand is being driven by homebuyers – who cite health and comfort benefits, concern over the environment

Bathrooms, benches and other public spaces in Boston - by David Kirk

Public space – open, accessible, attractive and integrated – has been on the urban agenda and permitting plate for decades. The details have been inconsistently transparent and enforced. Of course, some results have been essential and elegant.

Mortgage rate impacts update: Not yet onerous - by Daniel Calano

Most importantly, increase in rates meant the Fed was seeing signs of inflation, which (if modest), meant increasing employment, increasing salaries. Thus, the consensus was that while the borrowing cost of housing might go up, so would the ability to pay.

Evolution of appraisals? Since 2009 the appraisal profession experienced changes - by Bill Pastuszek

Since 2009, the residential appraisal profession has experienced significant changes. Many of the changes were thought to be temporary, and many were not really permanent solutions, but to many, these patchwork solutions have acquired the feeling of permanence.

Lowell and Lawrence commercial market - by William Whiting

My appraisal practice, for the most part, keeps me in Middlesex and Essex Counties, with occasional visits to Norfolk, Suffolk, and Worcester Counties.