Choosing an appraiser
What to look for in a commercial appraiser
An appraisal is only as good as the appraiser behind it. Here is what to look for, and what to watch out for, when you hire a commercial appraiser in Connecticut.
What to look for
- A Certified General licenseCommercial property should be appraised by a Connecticut Certified General Real Estate Appraiser. Ask for the license number and check it with the state.
- The MAI designationThe Appraisal Institute awards the MAI after advanced coursework, a comprehensive exam, a demonstration of knowledge, and 4,500 hours of specialized experience. It is one of the most recognized credentials in commercial valuation.
- Geographic competencyAppraisal standards require an appraiser to understand the market and the geographic area of the property. An appraiser who knows your town knows the zoning, the buyers, and which sales are truly comparable.
- Experience with your property typeAn apartment building, a gas station and a medical office are valued differently. Ask how many of your type the appraiser has done.
- Attention to detailAccurate building measurements, verified sales, and adjustments that are explained, not just listed.
- IndependenceThe appraiser has no stake in the outcome, and the fee never depends on the value.
- Professional communicationA clear fee and delivery date up front, a written engagement, and someone who answers your questions.
That’s the appraiser you want to look out for
- Someone who is not detail-orientedWrong square footage, sales that were never verified, text copied from another report, and math that does not add up.
- Someone without geographic competencyAn appraiser who does not know the area, picks comparables from different markets, or does not understand local zoning and what buyers actually pay in your town.
- Someone who is not professionalSlow replies, missed deadlines, no engagement letter, and a report that is hard to follow.
- Someone without the MAI designationWithout it, you have less assurance of advanced commercial training and peer-reviewed experience.
- Someone who will hit a numberAn appraiser who suggests a value before seeing the property, or agrees to reach a target value. That is not an appraisal.
- Someone who skips the inspectionCondition, layout and site issues do not show up in a photo or a listing.
How we work
Baldi Valuation is an MAI-led commercial appraisal firm based in Colchester. A partner of the firm inspects every property and signs every report. We work throughout Connecticut and in western and central Massachusetts.
Need a commercial appraisal?
Tell us about the property and what the appraisal is for. We will respond with a fee and a delivery date, usually within one business day.
