Valuation + Consulting
Working with Owen
Real estate valuation is a process undertaken by qualified appraisers to develop an opinion of value for a real property. The most common valuation type is market value. Typically an individual or company will require a valuation or appraisal for financing, preparing for sale, preparing for ownership transfer, estate requirements, and a number of other circumstances.
It is significant to note that an opinion of value by an AACI is markedly different from an opinion of value by a licensed salesperson or broker. While these opinions are commonly offered as a business tool for the real estate sales industry, those opinions of value are not qualified for use by financial institutions, legal requirements, insurance companies, and other organizations that require value for official use. An AACI is the highest real estate designation in the industry, the awarding of which signifies an in-depth and comprehensive understanding of the real estate industry.
While I am qualified to handle valuation for any commercial or residential property within Canada, it is significant to note that I have niche expertise in markets with particular detail-oriented requirements. It is typical for an AACI to specialize in a few corners of the market that require niche expertise while maintaining a strong understanding of the market at large. I’ve included a more in-depth description of services for the niche markets in which I am particularly well qualified.
Multi-Residential
Multi-residential buildings can vary from small, low-rise buildings, to medium-sized apartment complexes to very tall, high-rise blocks. A variety of factors are required when examining multi-residential buildings and the majority of the factors are dependent on the size of the building. I have experience with a variety of clients, ranging from single owners to large portfolio investors.
My client portfolio has led to experience with low to high-density multi-residential properties. I also value development land for low to high-rise apartment sites and townhouse sites.
In working with these assets I have learned the value of keeping up to date on current data, lending to my regularly updated database of selling prices, average rental rates, gross income streams, vacancy rates, expense ratios, cap rates, and the costs to build.
Industrial
Industrial valuation is a mainstay of business. I am very experienced in analyzing lease agreements and advising clients based on the investment market and competing properties. My knowledge and expertise have led to advisements to municipal and regional levels of government on the industrial market in the Niagara Region.
In addition to industrial valuation, I also provide investment advising, which includes a look at profit and loss, cap rate analysis, rates of return, and influence of the bond market. As part of investment advising, I also provide
a valuation of leased fee interest for investment properties.
As a result of poor data tracking in Niagara regarding industrial data, I maintain a strong database of information to be an expert on values, trends, and opportunities.
Hospitality
Tourist districts in the Niagara Region are constantly changing and each provide their own set of challenges in valuation. A proper valuation requires the right knowledge and experience to understand the multifaceted sector of hospitality, most notably hotels and motels.
My work on hotel and motel properties has included appraisals for hotel and motel valuation and consulting for acquisition, disposal, renovation, and financing. I am also experienced in preparing valuations for hotel build proposals and expansions of existing going concern operations and the preparation of the valuation of leased fee and fee simple interests for tourist commercial properties.
Agricultural
As a resident of the Niagara Region, I benefit from unique exposure to the agricultural and vineyard market. I have gathered experience in various agricultural uses, ranging from tender fruit to vineyards to greenhouses. My experience in vineyards includes the valuation from various stages, from private grape growers to estate vineyards for winery properties.
The Niagara microclimate presents numerous characteristics that must be considered when preparing a valuation including lake effects., wind patterns from the Niagara Escarpment, and frost-free zones.
In addition to the external characteristics listed above, agricultural areas and vineyards have site-specific considerations including soil characteristics, drainage features., weather patterns, and climate.
Selling Your Property
How much is my property worth?
Owen Hughes is a qualified property appraiser and can help you ascertain the value of your property
Buying a Property
Owen Hughes is an experienced real estate consultant with over a decade of experience particularly in the Niagara region. He is a member of the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce and the Appraisal Institute of Canada among other professional associations.