Appraisal and Advisory Services

LandVest’s licensed and MAI-designated appraisers are qualified to appraise significant land-based assets, including residential, commercial and resort development land, coastal estates, timberland and other resource properties. We are also experienced in the valuation of partial, undivided interests, including conservation easements and working forest easements.

ESTATE PLANNING & ESTATE SETTLEMENT SUPPORT

LandVest assists clients and their legal and financial advisors in developing strategies for tax-advantaged disposition of real estate assets, including:

  • Preparation of appraisals for gift and estate tax or conveyance purposes
  • Equitable partition analysis and valuation for tenancy-in-common (TIC) ownerships
  • Conservation planning for family lands and generational assets
  • Alternative disposition planning, including conservation easement and limited development planning and valuation

LITIGATION SUPPORT

LandVest appraisers are qualified as real estate valuation expert witnesses in a number of courts and jurisdictions. Our experts provide valuations and testimony in matters involving divorce, contract disputes, damage claims and class action environmental lawsuits.

LandVest also provides appraisals and testimony in tax appeal and abatement cases.

LAND PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT MODELING

LandVest evaluates the “highest and best use” of developable land by employing conceptual land planning techniques applicable to a broad range of property types, including residential, commercial and industrial properties. This process typically involves:

  • Preparing GIS base plans that identify key physical features and constraints that may include topography, wetlands, floodplain, soil types, improvements, roads, utilities and easements. 
  • Analyzing deeds, easements, restrictions, licenses or other matters that may affect the use of a property. 
  • Researching relevant land use regulations, including zoning, subdivision, wetlands, floodplain, septic and various environmental ordinances. 
  • Preparing conceptual development plans for valuation, disposition or acquisition models.
  • Working with engineers to undertake further analyses and permitting, as necessary.

A determination of highest and best use typically involves the financial evaluation of alternative development models which are legally permissible, physically possible and financially feasible. LandVest has extensive experience in financial modeling using discounted cash flow (DCF) to determine the value of land to a hypothetical developer-buyer based on specific development assumptions. This requires an understanding of the market for the finished product and an accurate estimate of associated development costs.

 
Spatial Analysis and GIS Mapping...
Case Studies
Conservation Services