Frequently Asked Questions About Commercial
Real Estate Appraisal

Moore Real Estate Group appraises all commercial property types throughout Los Angeles and the Inland Empire, including:

• Industrial & Warehouse: Distribution centers, manufacturing, logistics facilities, flex industrial (Inland Empire specialization)
• Office Buildings: High-rise, mid-rise, suburban office, medical office buildings, all classes
• Retail Properties: Shopping centers, strip centers, standalone retail, restaurants, big-box
• Multifamily: Apartment buildings (5+ units), condominiums, garden-style, high-rise
• Hotels: Full-service, limited-service, extended-stay, boutique hotels
• Special Use: Self-storage, car washes, automotive, gas stations, recreational facilities
• Land: Vacant commercial land, development sites, entitled properties
• Mixed-Use: Properties combining multiple uses

Our Certified General Real Estate Appraiser license allows us to appraise any type of real property without restriction.

View detailed information on property types we appraise

We provide comprehensive commercial appraisal services for all purposes:

• Financing & Lending: Purchase loans, refinancing, construction loans, SBA loans
• Estate Planning: Date of death valuations, trust and probate appraisals, step-up basis calculations
• Litigation Support & Expert Witness: Court testimony, dispute resolution, damages analysis
• Property Tax Appeals: Assessment challenges for LA County, Riverside County, San Bernardino County
• Divorce & Partnership Dissolution: Marital property division, partnership buyouts
• Eminent Domain: Condemnation valuations and just compensation
• Financial Reporting: GAAP compliance, portfolio valuations
• Consulting Services: Feasibility studies, highest and best use analysis, market studies

View all our appraisal services

Yes, Moore Real Estate Group provides real estate consulting services leveraging our multi-disciplinary expertise in development, property management, and appraisal:

• Development feasibility studies
• Highest and best use studies
• Market studies and analysis
• Investment and acquisition analysis
• Disposition strategy
• Lease and rent consulting

Learn about our consulting services

Commercial appraisal fees vary based on several factors:

• Property Type: Different property types require different levels of analysis
• Property Size: Larger properties generally require more time and research
• Property Complexity: Unique features, multiple tenants, or special use properties require additional analysis
• Scope of Work: Full appraisal report vs. restricted report vs. consulting assignment
• Intended Use: Litigation appraisals require additional documentation and expert testimony preparation
• Timeline: Expedited service incurs additional fees

General Fee Ranges:

• Simple Properties: Small retail buildings, small office buildings, small industrial properties: $2,500-$5,000
• Mid-Sized Properties: Larger apartment buildings, mid-sized warehouses, neighborhood retail centers: $5,000-$10,000
• Complex Properties: Shopping centers, large industrial facilities, office buildings, hotels, special use properties: $10,000-$25,000+

Contact us with your specific property details (address, property type, building size, intended use) for a detailed quote. We provide transparent pricing with no hidden fees.

Request a free quote

Typical Timeline: 7-14 business days from property inspection to final report delivery

Timeline Factors:

• Property Complexity: Simple properties may be completed in 5-7 days; complex properties may require 2-3 weeks
• Scope of Work: Full narrative appraisal takes longer than a restricted appraisal
• Comparable Data Availability: Properties with limited comparables require more research time
• Information Gathering: Time required for owner to provide operating statements, rent rolls, leases
• Current Workload: Our capacity at time of engagement

Expedited Service: Rush service is available for urgent deadlines (additional fees apply). We can often accommodate 3-5 day turnarounds for qualifying properties.

Contact us to discuss your specific timeline requirements. We work with clients to meet their deadlines whenever possible.

To provide an accurate fee quote, we need the following information:

• Property Address: Complete street address and city
• Property Type: Office, industrial, retail, multifamily, etc.
• Building Size: Square footage of improvements
• Land Size: Lot size or acreage (if known)
• Intended Use: Purpose of the appraisal (financing, estate, litigation, etc.)
• Scope of Work: Type of report needed (full appraisal, restricted appraisal, consulting)
• Timeline: Your required completion date
• Special Requirements: Any specific client or lender requirements

With this information, we can typically provide a detailed quote within 24 hours.

Request your free quote

Payment terms vary by assignment type:

• Standard Appraisals: 50% deposit upon engagement, balance due upon report delivery
• Lender-Ordered Appraisals: Per lender's standard payment terms (typically paid at closing)
• Litigation/Expert Witness: Retainer required, hourly billing for testimony and preparation
• Established Clients: Net 30 payment terms available for repeat clients

We accept payment by check, wire transfer, or credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express).

MAI (Member, Appraisal Institute) is the most prestigious and widely recognized professional designation in commercial real estate appraisal.

Requirements to Earn MAI Designation:

• Complete 200+ hours of specialized appraisal education courses
• Pass comprehensive examinations on appraisal theory and practice
• Demonstrate significant experience appraising complex commercial properties
• Submit demonstration appraisal reports for peer review and acceptance
• Maintain continuing education (28 hours every two years)
• Adhere to strict Code of Professional Ethics

Why MAI Matters:

• Industry Recognition: Specifically recognized by federal banking regulators, courts, IRS, and government agencies
• Expertise: Only appraisers with proven expertise in complex commercial properties earn the designation
• Credibility: MAI reports carry enhanced credibility with lenders, attorneys, and courts
• Rare Credential: Less than 10% of all appraisers hold the MAI designation
• Expert Witness Qualification: MAI designation strengthens expert witness credentials

When you hire an MAI-designated appraiser, you're engaging an appraiser who has met the highest educational, experience, and ethical standards in the profession.

A Certified General Real Estate Appraiser is the highest level of state appraiser licensing in California. Certified General appraisers can appraise all types of real property—residential and commercial—without restriction.

Requirements:

• 300+ hours of qualifying appraisal education
• 3,000+ hours of appraisal experience (at least 1,500 hours in non-residential properties)
• Pass comprehensive state examination
• Criminal background check
• Continuing education requirements

By contrast, Certified Residential appraisers are limited to appraising residential properties of 1-4 units. For commercial properties, you need a Certified General appraiser.

Yes, Moore Real Estate Group's appraisers are qualified expert witnesses with experience providing testimony in various legal proceedings including:

• Superior Court and Federal Court proceedings
• Eminent domain and condemnation cases
• Property tax appeal hearings
• Divorce and partnership dissolution cases
• Contract disputes
• Arbitration and mediation
• Bankruptcy proceedings

Expert Witness Services Include:

• Case review and consultation
• Comprehensive appraisal reports prepared for litigation
• Rebuttal reports to opposing expert opinions
• Deposition testimony
• Trial testimony and cross-examination

Our MAI designation and 20+ years of experience provide strong credentials for expert witness qualification. We prepare appraisals with the understanding they may be subject to legal scrutiny and cross-examination.

Learn more about our expert witness services

USPAP (Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice) is the generally recognized set of ethical and performance standards for the appraisal profession in the United States. USPAP is maintained by the Appraisal Standards Board of The Appraisal Foundation.

USPAP Compliance Ensures:

• Independence and Objectivity: Appraisers must be impartial and independent
• Proper Scope of Work: Analysis must be appropriate for intended use
• Adequate Documentation: All conclusions must be properly supported
• Clear Communication: Reports must clearly convey the analysis and results
• Ethical Standards: Appraisers must follow strict ethical guidelines

All Moore Real Estate Group appraisals are completed in full compliance with USPAP standards. Federal regulations require USPAP compliance for federally-related transactions (most bank loans).

Yes, our appraisals meet all federal and state regulatory requirements for commercial lending and are accepted by:

• Major commercial banks and credit unions
• Regional and community banks
• SBA lenders
• Private lenders and hard money lenders
• Life insurance companies and pension funds
• Government agencies (FHA, USDA, VA for mixed-use properties)

Our appraisals are USPAP-compliant and prepared by Certified General Real Estate Appraisers holding the MAI designation, providing the highest level of credibility and acceptance. We work regularly with lenders throughout Los Angeles and the Inland Empire.

Yes, commercial estate planning appraisals are a specialty of Moore Real Estate Group. Unlike most estate planning appraisers who focus exclusively on residential properties, we specialize in commercial real estate estate planning including:

• Date of death valuations for IRS estate tax compliance
• Trust and probate administration appraisals
• Step-up basis calculations for commercial properties
• Gift tax appraisals for lifetime transfers
• Partnership interest and commercial entity valuations
• Charitable donation appraisals (IRS Form 8283)

Why Commercial Properties Need Specialized Appraisers:

Commercial real estate requires fundamentally different valuation approaches than residential property:

• Income Capitalization: Analyzing net operating income, capitalization rates, and discounted cash flow
• Complex Lease Analysis: Understanding triple-net, gross, modified gross, and percentage leases
• Market Rent Determination: Commercial rent comparables and vacancy analysis
• Property Type Expertise: Industrial, office, retail, multifamily require specialized knowledge
• Highest and Best Use: Development potential and alternative uses

Moore Real Estate Group serves Los Angeles, the Inland Empire (Riverside and San Bernardino Counties), and San Diego for commercial estate planning appraisals.

Learn more about our estate planning appraisal services

A date of death appraisal is a retrospective appraisal that determines the fair market value of a property as of the date of the property owner's death. This valuation is required for:

• Federal Estate Tax (IRS Form 706): If the estate value exceeds federal exemption threshold
• California Probate: Court-required valuations for probate administration
• Trust Administration: Valuations for trust asset distribution
• Step-Up Basis: Establishing new cost basis for heirs to minimize capital gains tax

Key Requirements:

• Must use property conditions and market data as of the death date
• Cannot use information known after the death date
• Must be prepared by qualified appraiser meeting IRS standards
• Must comply with USPAP and IRS Revenue Rule 59-60
• Commercial properties require commercial appraisal expertise

Moore Real Estate Group has extensive experience with date of death appraisals for commercial properties including office buildings, industrial properties, retail centers, and apartment buildings throughout Los Angeles and the Inland Empire.

A "step-up in basis" is a tax provision that adjusts the cost basis of inherited property to its fair market value at the date of death, potentially eliminating or reducing capital gains tax when heirs sell the property.

Example:

• Original purchase price (1990): $500,000
• Date of death value (2025): $3,000,000
• Step-up basis for heirs: $3,000,000
• If sold for $3,100,000: Capital gain = $100,000 (not $2,600,000!)

Why You Need a Professional Appraisal:

• IRS requires professional appraisal to document step-up basis
• Without appraisal, IRS may challenge basis and assess additional tax
• Commercial properties require qualified commercial appraiser
• Proper documentation protects heirs in case of audit
• Establishes defensible value for estate tax and capital gains purposes

Moore Real Estate Group prepares IRS-compliant step-up basis appraisals for commercial properties. We work closely with estate attorneys and CPAs to ensure proper documentation.

Yes, we regularly collaborate with estate planning attorneys, probate attorneys, and CPAs throughout Los Angeles and the Inland Empire. We understand the legal and tax requirements for estate appraisals and work as part of your advisory team.

Our Collaborative Approach:

• Discuss appraisal requirements with your attorney/CPA before starting
• Ensure appraisal meets specific IRS and court requirements
• Provide appraisals in format needed for estate tax returns (Form 706) or probate court
• Available to answer questions from your advisors
• Provide supplemental documentation if needed for IRS or court
• Expert testimony if estate valuation is challenged

We're familiar with the estate planning process and can coordinate timing to meet filing deadlines for estate tax returns and probate proceedings.

Estate planning appraisal fees for commercial properties typically range from $3,000 to $15,000+ depending on:

• Property Type and Size: Small retail building vs. large apartment complex
• Property Complexity: Simple single-tenant vs. multi-tenant with complex leases
• Retrospective Analysis: How far back the date of death (more historical research required for older dates)
• Documentation Needs: Additional documentation for IRS or court beyond standard appraisal
• Timeline: Expedited service if needed to meet estate tax filing deadlines

Contact us with your property details and date of death for a specific quote. We understand estate administrations often work on tight timelines and can accommodate expedited service when needed.

Moore Real Estate Group follows a comprehensive six-step appraisal process:

1. Initial Consultation & Engagement

• Discuss appraisal needs and intended use
• Review property information
• Provide fee quote
• Execute engagement letter
• Schedule property inspection

2. Property Inspection

• Conduct thorough on-site inspection
• Photograph property interior and exterior
• Measure building and site
• Document condition and features
• Review operating statements and leases (if applicable)

3. Market Research & Data Collection

• Research comparable sales transactions
• Analyze comparable lease data
• Review market trends and economic indicators
• Investigate zoning and land use
• Assess neighborhood and location factors

4. Valuation Analysis

• Apply Sales Comparison Approach
• Apply Income Capitalization Approach (income properties)
• Apply Cost Approach (as appropriate)
• Perform highest and best use analysis
• Reconcile value conclusions

5. Report Preparation

• Prepare comprehensive appraisal report
• Include supporting documentation
• Ensure USPAP compliance
• Quality control review

6. Delivery & Follow-Up

• Deliver final appraisal report
• Answer questions and provide clarifications
• Respond to lender/client conditions
• Provide additional support as needed

It depends on the property type and situation:

Inspection Access Needed:

• Owner-Occupied Properties: Yes, we need access to inspect the interior
• Vacant Properties: Owner or representative must provide access
• Tenant-Occupied: Property manager can usually provide access
• Single-Tenant Buildings: Tenant or property manager can provide access

Benefits of Owner Presence:

• Provide information about property improvements and updates
• Answer questions about property operations
• Provide operating statements, leases, rent rolls
• Point out special features or recent upgrades

If you cannot be present, please arrange for someone knowledgeable about the property to provide access and answer basic questions. We can follow up with you by phone or email for additional information.

The information needed varies by property type:

All Properties:

• Property address and legal description
• Current ownership information
• Access for property inspection
• Any recent surveys, plans, or environmental reports

Income-Producing Properties:

• Rent Roll: Current tenant list, unit/space sizes, rental rates, lease expiration dates
• Operating Statements: Last 3 years of income and expense statements
• Lease Agreements: Current tenant leases (especially for significant tenants)
• Property Tax Bills: Most recent property tax statement
• Insurance: Current property insurance premium
• Capital Improvements: List of recent major improvements and costs

Development Properties:

• Site plans and entitlements
• Development pro formas or budgets
• Approved permits and approvals
• Geotechnical and environmental reports

Don't worry if you don't have all this information—we can often obtain much of it independently. We'll provide a detailed information request checklist upon engagement.

In limited circumstances, yes—called a "desktop appraisal" or "appraisal with extraordinary assumption regarding property condition." However, this approach has limitations:

When Desktop Appraisals Are Appropriate:

• Property is in remote location or access is restricted
• Time constraints make inspection impossible
• Property is identical to recently inspected comparable property
• Initial feasibility analysis or consulting assignment

Limitations of Desktop Appraisals:

• Must make assumptions about property condition
• Cannot verify property characteristics firsthand
• May not be accepted by some lenders
• Less defensible if challenged
• Appraisal must disclose "extraordinary assumption" regarding inspection

For most financing, litigation, and estate planning purposes, a physical inspection is required. Contact us to discuss whether a desktop appraisal is appropriate for your situation.

Appraisers use three traditional approaches to estimate property value:

1. Sales Comparison Approach

• Analyzes recent sales of comparable properties
• Adjusts comparables for differences (size, location, condition, etc.)
• Most reliable when there are adequate comparable sales
• Primary approach for most commercial properties

2. Income Capitalization Approach

• Used for income-producing properties
• Analyzes property's net operating income (NOI)
• Converts income to value using capitalization rate or discounted cash flow
• Critical for apartment buildings, office buildings, retail centers, industrial properties

3. Cost Approach

• Estimates cost to reproduce or replace the building
• Subtracts depreciation (physical, functional, external)
• Adds land value
• Most reliable for new construction or special use properties
• Supporting approach for most property types

Most commercial appraisals apply multiple approaches and reconcile the results to arrive at a final value conclusion. The weight given to each approach depends on property type, data availability, and intended use.

Yes, industrial and warehouse appraisals are a specialty of Moore Real Estate Group. The Inland Empire (Riverside and San Bernardino Counties) is one of the nation's premier industrial and logistics markets, and our Upland office location combined with 20+ years of experience provides unmatched expertise in this market.

Inland Empire Industrial Experience:

• Distribution centers and logistics facilities
• E-commerce fulfillment centers
• Manufacturing plants
• Warehouse buildings (all sizes)
• Cold storage and refrigerated facilities
• Flex industrial properties

Geographic Coverage:

• Riverside County: Riverside, Corona, Moreno Valley, Perris, Temecula
• San Bernardino County: Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, Fontana, Rialto, San Bernardino
• Los Angeles County: City of Industry, Carson, Compton, Vernon

Our extensive industrial appraisal experience includes properties ranging from 10,000 SF to 1,000,000+ SF throughout the Inland Empire's major industrial corridors.

Learn more about Inland Empire industrial appraisals

Yes, we appraise multifamily apartment buildings of all sizes throughout Los Angeles and the Inland Empire, including:

• Small multifamily (5-20 units)
• Garden-style apartment complexes
• Mid-rise and high-rise apartments
• Affordable housing / LIHTC properties
• Senior housing
• Condominium projects

Note: We appraise commercial multifamily properties (5+ units). For 1-4 unit residential properties, please inquire about residential appraisal services or referral to a residential appraiser.

Our multifamily appraisals include comprehensive income and expense analysis, rent comparables, market vacancy analysis, and capitalization rate support.

Yes, Moore Real Estate Group appraises hotels and hospitality properties including:

• Full-service hotels
• Limited-service and select-service hotels
• Extended-stay hotels
• Boutique and lifestyle hotels
• Budget and economy motels
• Bed & breakfast properties

Hotel appraisals require specialized analysis including:

• RevPAR, occupancy, and ADR analysis
• Competitive set analysis and market penetration
• Franchise affiliation evaluation
• Food & beverage operations
• Meeting and banquet space assessment

We serve hotel markets throughout Los Angeles (including LAX area), the Inland Empire, and San Diego.

Yes, we appraise special use commercial properties throughout Los Angeles and the Inland Empire, including:

• Self-Storage Facilities: Climate-controlled and traditional storage
• Car Washes: Automatic, self-service, hand wash operations
• Automotive: Dealerships, service centers, quick-lube facilities
• Gas Stations: With or without convenience stores
• Recreational: Fitness centers, bowling alleys, entertainment venues
• Other Special Use: Veterinary clinics, funeral homes, event venues

Special use properties require appraisers with experience in these unique property types. We understand the operational characteristics, income streams, and market factors that affect special use property values.

View all property types we appraise

Yes, Moore Real Estate Group appraises vacant commercial land and development sites throughout Los Angeles and the Inland Empire. Our unique advantage is our actual real estate development experience, which provides practical insights into land valuation that pure appraisal firms cannot match.

Land Types We Appraise:

• Vacant commercial land (retail, office, industrial)
• Entitled and approved development sites
• Land assemblages and plottage
• Infill development opportunities
• Industrial land (especially Inland Empire)
• Subdivision lots and bulk lot sales

Land Appraisal Expertise:

• Highest and best use analysis
• Zoning and entitlement assessment
• Development feasibility analysis
• Development cost estimating
• Market absorption analysis

Learn about our development experience

Yes, Moore Real Estate Group provides neutral, objective commercial property appraisals for divorce proceedings, partnership buyouts, and business dissolution throughout Los Angeles and the Inland Empire.

Dissolution Appraisal Services:

• Marital Property Division: Fair market value for divorce asset distribution
• Partnership Buyouts: Valuation for exiting partners
• Business Dissolution: Real estate asset valuations
• Spousal Support: Asset valuation for support calculations

Our Approach:

• Neutral, unbiased valuation serving both parties
• Court-accepted methodology and reporting
• Expert witness testimony if required
• USPAP compliance ensuring professional standards
• Confidential and professional handling

We work with family law attorneys, business attorneys, and mediators throughout Southern California.

Yes, we provide commercial property tax appeal appraisals to challenge excessive assessments in Los Angeles County, Riverside County, and San Bernardino County.

Property Tax Appeal Services:

• Assessment review and analysis
• Comparable sales and assessment analysis
• Comprehensive appraisal reports supporting lower value
• Filing support and documentation
• Testimony at assessment appeals board hearings

When to Consider an Appeal:

• Recent purchase price lower than assessed value
• Property income has declined
• Property condition has deteriorated
• Comparable properties assessed at lower values
• Market values declined in your area

Appeal Deadlines:

• Regular Assessment Appeals: September 15 - November 30 each year
• Supplemental Assessments: 60 days from supplemental assessment notice

Contact us to review your property tax assessment and discuss appeal potential.

Yes, Moore Real Estate Group provides just compensation valuations for property owners facing government acquisition through eminent domain throughout Los Angeles and the Inland Empire.

Eminent Domain Services:

• Full Property Taking: Complete acquisition valuations
• Partial Taking: Before and after valuations
• Easement Valuations: Temporary and permanent easements
• Severance Damages: Impact on remaining property
• Business Goodwill Loss: Economic impact on operating businesses

Agencies We Work With:

• Caltrans (California Department of Transportation)
• Local municipalities and counties
• Water and utility districts
• School districts
• Redevelopment agencies

We can represent property owners or provide neutral appraisals for condemning agencies. Our goal is ensuring fair compensation through thorough analysis and, if necessary, expert testimony.

Yes, Moore Real Estate Group provides commercial property appraisals for SBA 504 and SBA 7(a) loan programs. Our appraisals meet all SBA requirements and are accepted by SBA lenders throughout Los Angeles and the Inland Empire.

SBA Loan Program Experience:

• SBA 504 Loans: Owner-occupied commercial real estate financing
• SBA 7(a) Loans: Business acquisition and real estate financing

Typical SBA Loan Properties:

• Owner-occupied office buildings
• Owner-occupied industrial buildings and warehouses
• Retail buildings with owner-operated businesses
• Mixed-use properties with owner-occupied space
• Special use properties (car washes, gas stations, etc.)

We work regularly with SBA lenders and understand the specific appraisal requirements for SBA-guaranteed loans including going concern analysis when applicable.

The type of appraisal report depends on your intended use and requirements:

Appraisal Report (Full Narrative)

• Comprehensive documentation and analysis
• Detailed descriptions of property, market, and methodology
• Extensive comparable sales data and analysis
• Typically 50-150+ pages
• Required for most financing, litigation, and estate purposes

Restricted Appraisal Report

• Summarized presentation of analysis
• Less detailed than full narrative report
• Use restricted to client only
• Typically 20-40 pages
• Appropriate for portfolio reviews, internal use, preliminary analysis

Most commercial real estate appraisals for financing, legal, or tax purposes require a full Appraisal Report format. We'll recommend the appropriate report type based on your intended use during our initial consultation.

Yes, all appraisals are delivered in digital PDF format via secure email. Physical bound copies are available upon request for an additional fee.

Standard Delivery:

• PDF appraisal report via secure email
• Digitally signed for authenticity
• Can be printed by recipient as needed
• Easy to forward to lenders, attorneys, or other parties

Optional:

• Bound hard copy (1-3 copies available for additional fee)
• USB drive with digital files

Yes, we provide follow-up support to answer questions about our appraisals:

• Lender Questions: We respond to underwriter questions and conditions
• Attorney/CPA Questions: Available to discuss methodology and conclusions
• Client Clarifications: Help you understand the appraisal and conclusions
• Revisions: Update appraisals if property conditions change or errors are identified

Our goal is ensuring all parties understand the appraisal and can rely on it for their decision-making. Follow-up communication is included in our service.

There is no universal "expiration date" for appraisals, but practical considerations affect validity:

Lender Requirements:

• Most lenders require appraisals less than 6 months old
• Some lenders accept 12-month old appraisals with recertification
• Rapidly changing markets may require more recent appraisals

Market Conditions Impact:

• Stable Markets: Appraisals may be reliable for 6-12 months
• Rapidly Changing Markets: Appraisals may need updating in 3-6 months
• Major Events: Significant market events may require new appraisals

Recertification of Value:

If your existing appraisal is 6-12 months old, we may be able to provide a recertification letter updating the value conclusion for a reduced fee (if market conditions haven't changed significantly).