Sales comparison approach
The sales comparison approach is the most commonly used approach
in real estate appraisal practice for determining the value. In
this approach to value, the property which is being appraised is
compared to recently sold properties which are of similar types.
This is done for deriving a value indication. For that, the
property being appraised is compared to comparables that are
adjusted for size, acreage, amenities, time, etc. The appraiser’s
experience is important when it comes to understanding the
adjustments which are reasonable for a particular market area. The
value of one property in a certain area may be high but it may not
be of that value in a different area.
This approach to value is usually used for valuation of vacant
land, improved properties or lands considered to be vacant. This
approach is preferable when there is sufficient availability of
comparable sales.
Cost approach
The cost approach to value estimates the value of a property by
determining the cost that will be required for constructing a
replacement or reproduction of the same property after deduction of
accrued depreciation. Accrued depreciation means decline in the
property’s actual value over the period of time due obsolescence or
wear and tear.
Income capitalization approach
This approach to value is used to derive a value indication for
a property that generates income. This is done by finding property
value by converting the anticipated benefits. This conversion can
be done in two ways. The income expectancy of one year can be
capitalized at market-derived rate of capitalization or rate of
capitalization that shows a specified return on investment, income
pattern and change in the investment’s value. Again, at specified
yield rate, the yearly cash flows for holding period and reversion
can be discounted. In this approach, the future benefits of a
property’s present value are estimated.
Based on the factors above, lets look at why residential and
commercial properties are not the same.
1. Residential
- Residential tenants are available regardless of the economic
condition. This is because most people want to live and rent in
places close to their friends, families, job location, educational
institutions, etc.
- Investing in rental homes also guarantees available cash flow
and easier to rent. Even if a tenant leaves, there are always new
tenants coming in.
- Furthermore, it is easy to sell houses than commercial lots
because demand from buyers is always there.
- House rentals are determined by comparable market rates of
similar houses in the area. Tenants pay their rents on a weekly or
monthly basis depending on different countries.
- The value of a residential property is calculated by comparing
the market price of similar properties in that location. An
appraiser is responsible for estimating the value of a house.
- It is possible to buy a residential property with a small down
payment and getting 90 percent or more mortgage financing from the
bank.
- Rental lease is fairly standard, short and easy to understand.
Landlords and tenants should not have difficulty in understanding
these documents.
- Residential and commercial properties tend to have different
lease periods. The length of the lease for residential is short (1
to 2 years) and tenants can extend their stay or leave when the
lease expires.
- The problem with some residential tenants is that they don’t
pay their rents on time. Besides, some won’t even leave when they
are asked to. This makes the eviction process a little
difficult.
2. Commercial
- Commercial properties tend to be more lucrative than
residential because of steady returns and better cash flow.
- Tenants in commercial properties usually pay expenses such as
repairs and maintenance. This is because tenants want to run their
businesses as good as possible.
- The lease period are longer than residential, which translates
into guaranteed long-term cash flow. Landlords can lease to a
tenant for a specific length of time (e.g. 5 years) and then have
the option exercised by the tenant to renew the lease for another
period of 5 years.
- The lease document itself is quite long and contains many
clauses. You need to study the lease carefully and understand the
terms with the help of a competent lawyer.
- Unlike residential, leases are very important as these
documents determine the price, value, and most importantly the
rents of a commercial property. Tenants who have long-term leases
can significantly improve the value of the property.
- Besides, the leases are reviewed at the end of the each period
for either renewal or termination. Except for unforeseen
circumstances like bankruptcy and poor sales that lead to tenants
leave, most are willing to renew for long periods.
- Another advantage for commercial leases is that you can add
clauses and conditions when necessary, provided the condition
benefits both you and the tenant.
- Since most commercial tenants run their premises for business
purposes, a drop in the economy may cause many problems, resulting
in loss of income and eventually loss of businesses.
When that happens, they leave and landlords need to find new
tenants while covering the outgoing costs during vacancy for quite
a long period. Therefore Vacancy rates for commercial properties
are higher.
- Most banks are willing to loan more for the housing market
(around 75% or more) but less on commercial market (60% or
less).
- When it comes to mortgages, residential and commercial loans
are also different with various financing options catering for each
type of investment.
Therefore, investors need to have greater knowledge, experience,
and enough cash reserves to invest in commercial properties because
of higher risks.
- Commercial leases are also powerful when it comes to rent
payments. Unpaid rents can result in rent penalty and consequently
eviction.
- Both residential and commercial property owners can experience
some bad tenants, except that the latter has the upper hand. When
it comes to eviction, the landlord have the right to remove the
tenant by performing specific actions (e.g. changing locks, seize
premise) according to the lease document.