Updated August 17, 2026. General appraisal information only; not legal, tax, lending, engineering or accounting advice.
Confirm the actual units
Document entrances, kitchens, baths, bedrooms, utilities, parking and common areas. Public records and current use may conflict.
The appraiser considers available evidence of legally permissible use. Conversion issues or accessory units can affect scope and marketability.
Provide leases and rent information
Current leases, concessions, included utilities and vacancy information help explain operation. The appraiser also researches market rent.
Identify owner-occupied units, family arrangements and below-market rents so contract amounts are not misinterpreted.
Inspect every relevant area
Condition can vary significantly by unit and common system. Provide access to all units, mechanical rooms, basements and accessory spaces when required.
An inaccessible unit may create a material limitation because its layout and condition cannot be assumed safely.
Analyze sales and income together
Comparable sales show how similar properties traded; income analysis considers market rent, vacancy, expenses and investor expectations.
Gross-rent multipliers can be useful when supported, but differences in utilities, condition, location and unit mix prevent a universal formula.
Address mixed-use and record conflicts
Provide zoning, permit or certificate information when observed use differs from records. Commercial or accessory space may change the appraisal problem.
Organize taxes, insurance, owner-paid utilities, maintenance and other expenses by period so actual operation can be compared with typical stabilized behavior.
Planning checklist
- Confirm unit count and layout
- Provide access to all units
- Supply leases and rent roll
- Identify owner-paid utilities
- List parking and storage
- Provide zoning records
- Document building updates
- Organize operating expenses
- Explain below-market leases
- Identify mixed-use space early
Send the address, intended use, effective date and unusual property features so the assignment can be reviewed before scheduling.
Request an AppraisalFrequently asked questions
Is a duplex appraised like a single-family home?
Comparable sales remain important, but rents, expenses and investor behavior are also relevant.
Are current rents always used?
Contract rents are analyzed with market rent and lease terms.
What if a unit is vacant?
Vacancy affects actual income while market evidence helps estimate typical rent and occupancy.
Can an unapproved unit be valued?
Observed use and legal considerations must be analyzed under the assignment scope; the result is property-specific.