There are three (3) basic types of appraisals that can be performed, either a Restricted Use (Desktop Appraisal), Summary, or Self-Contained appraisal report. The following are the fundamental definitions of each report type.

A Restricted Use (Desktop Appraisal) report is typically requested by individuals that are somewhat familiar with the asset or group of assets. The Restricted Use Appraisal is a limited report that typically only states the appraisers value conclusion with very limited explanation. Many clients request a Restricted Use Appraisal when time is of the essence. This type of appraisal report is considered the least costly of the three (3) report types. This particular type of report can usually be conducted from the appraisers desk. A common name associated with the Restricted Use Appraisal is known as a “desk top appraisal”. This type of appraisal can be performed from the appraisers desk relying upon no physical inspection of the assets. The appraiser relies on data furnished by the client including; an itemized list of the subject assets being valued,   pictures of the assets, maintenance records, manufacturer, model & serial numbers, original costs, date of acquisition, and any relevant material on the assets. The appraiser must disclose in the report the actions taken or not taken in deriving the data used to support the value conclusion of the asset. 

A Summary Appraisal report typically includes the appraiser performing a full physical inspection of the asset and developing all applicable approaches to value if deemed applicable to the asset and appraisal problem. The appraiser can physically see the asset to appreciate the quality, condition and productiveness of the asset. This particular appraisal will include all market research, assemblage of pertinent data (listing and classifying), listing of appropriate analytical techniques and reporting of knowledge, experience and judgment. The Summary Appraisal report is the most frequently requested.

A Self-Contained Appraisal report typically includes the appraiser performing a full physical inspection of the asset, and developing all applicable approaches that pertain to the asset and appraisal problem. The Self-Contained Appraisal report provides all the appraisers data and rationale that was utilized in the development of the appraisal analysis. All conclusions and data sources are fully disclosed and discussed.  This type of appraisal format is the least requested mainly due to the monetary cost and the extended time frame it takes to complete an analysis of this nature. 

Our clients consist of a variety of business industries from all over the United States. To date, our appraisal staff has accepted appraisal assignments from clients in Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, Kentucky, Wisconsin, Colorado, California, Florida, Utah and New York, among others.