Construction Loans: the Myth of the “future Appraisal”

Construction Loans: the Myth of the “future Appraisal”

One of the most common phrases I hear when dealing with a construction loan is: “The Future Appraisal.” This is usually used in the context of making sure that the property will have sufficient value for us to get the loan needed to complete the structure. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to appraise something “in the future.” You can only appraise value in the “now” because you only have comparable information “now.” It’s a common misconception because you’re trying to arrive at the value of something that doesn’t exist now, but in the future. And therein lies the solution to the dilemma!

What actually happens is that the appraiser is asked to pretend that the building exists now (per the plans provided by the developer) and compare it to recent sales. This is the only time in lending that we get to work with something that hasn’t happened, yet! This can be a very powerful tool in a sales situation when you’re dealing with a run-down or funtionally obsolescent property. With a set of plans, you can literally create value from nothing, as most successful developers know.

So perhaps a better term would be: “The Let’s-Pretend-It’s-Built Appraisal!”

Watch the video related to commercial construction

Reed & Reed Wind Power Services in Woolwich, Maine, constructs the 38-turbine Stetson Mountain commercial wind farm in Danforth, Maine.

Help answer the question about commercial construction

Where can I find average commercial construction rates?
This would include all phases of development, from infrastructure (e.g., wells and septic) to physical building. Location would be fairly rural (30-60 minutes from mid-largish town). I know different locales in the U.S. are different, but averages are fine.

About Author

Craig Higdon -
About the Author:

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete statement with it: ’Craig Higdon, “The Investment Property Insider,” works as a commercial mortgage broker. He publishes the weekly “Investment Property Insider” e-zine and blog, www.InvestmentPropertyInsider.com. Visit the blog and get a complimentary report on commercial financing techniques.’

Tags: , , , , , , ,

9 Responses to “Construction Loans: the Myth of the “future Appraisal””

  1. Right Vs Wrong says:

    It depends. Usually targeted deliverables generate a payment to the contractor. It depends on what type of contract you are under. Deliverable to payment or payment for actual materials and labor plus overhead?

  2. Jhammer says:

    If it's specified, I would let them know. Acoustical insulation is very effective, especially on a commercial job. Confidential conversations take place, and the transmission of sound through a hollow wall is significant. It's a lot easier to fix now, rather than after the walls are painted, carpeting is in, etc. Besides, you are protecting your company. The sub cut corners, let him pay to fix them. Hope this helps.

  3. monkeywench says:

    Unless you want to work non-union then take the job after the schooling. If you want a career, then apply to the IBEW your area, show them your training certificate and become an apprentice journeyman wireman. You may even qualify to take the journeyman exam.
    Consider the benefits, the salary, and the retirement plan of the IBEW compared to a non-signatory contractor. Check out the IBEW website at http://www.ibew.org.

  4. D-1-G-1-T says:

    NEVER!!!!!

  5. Jimmyd says:

    Contact the building inspector's department at city hall. A permit was issued and drawings are required for a permit to be issued. You are legally entitled to inspect the permit and probably the drawings as well. Access to the drawings may be limited due to security considerations, but the intended use of the building should be stated on the drawings and possibly the permit.

  6. Keith M says:

    Microsoft project can layout your schedule, and you can apply a budget with cost loading, but for a budget i.e. schedule of values by division a microsoft excel template will work well and is easy to manipulate. You can find examples for construction costs at http://www.rsmeans.com which uses itemized take-off to assign budgetary numbers on an item by item basis. But to implment it in your office for bidding purposes either an MS Excel template or a databased estimating program like Timberline or Hard Dollar which already has the CSI codes built into their pre-developed database. You can go on either Timberline or Hard Dollars website to look at examples of thier estimating budget templates.

  7. you can call me butch says:

    In this economy you might try the police blotter recapping all the night's activity in the area. I'm sure virtually every active site is victimized by theft on a regular basis.

  8. wendygirl1000 says:

    Industrial construction is normally factory type construction dealing high loads big items – power loads, structural, you name it – its normally bigger and heavier then a normal construction. Factories, paper mills, etc. where as commercial can be anything from a mom and pop store to the local Wal-Mart. It has a lot to do with what your using it for and how many people are going to be in it at the time.

  9. Stephanie R says:

    Light Commercial development would be a single commercial enterprise or a strip mall. Regular commercial development would be a Big Box store or a Mall. The difference from an engineering point would be the need for parking, emergency exits and fire and safety considerations. There is a different concern in getting people to safety from the Great American Mall than the local 7-11. The importance may be the same but the logistics would be different.

Leave a Reply