6A — October 2025 — Appraisal — Financial — M id A tlantic Real Estate Journal
www.marej.com
Appraisal
By Jay L. White, MAI, CRE ® , Apex Realty Advisory How technology is redefining accuracy and speed in CRE appraisals
T
echnology and the ad- vancement of artificial intelligence (AI) are
and objectivity. The speeding up of organized market data analysis to arrive at appraised values can be compressed from weeks into days, allowing for a swifter delivery of valuations to expectant clients. Speed, precision, and profi - ciency all benefit lenders and investors in terms of gaining clarity through faster pro- duced asset values. This is highly beneficial to lenders and investors as it permits them to make business deci - sions at a more rapid pace, which has positive impacts on commercial real estate
from sales volumes to loan underwriting. The result is a process that’s not just quicker and more open but also more consistent, helping everyone involved to make more in - formed, confident decisions in less time. This technological shift comes at a crucial moment. Deploying capital wisely is im- portant, especially as interest rates remain high and liquid- ity is hard-won. Every delay now carries opportunity cost. By rethinking how apprais - als fit into the broader deal timeline — and by embracing technology that enhances both accuracy and speed — brokers, lenders, and owners can turn what was once a logjam into a differentiator. Technology, digital tools, and advanced analytics can help appraisers better understand the factors influencing property values, improving efficiency and thus streamlining the appraisal process significantly. Doing so will better match the pace for how modern real estate deals get done and improve customer service. Given these advancements in technology, the role of the appraiser is being redefined. However, it is important to remember that technology- driven appraisal reports need to provide clear, concise data in presenting trends and analysis that supports their reported final value conclu- sions without ambiguity. It’s a tool to enhance and improve the appraisal process; a savvy appraiser will capitalize on the advantages AI can offer. While AI technology can be extremely beneficial to the appraising process, it’s not a replacement for a knowledge - able, expert, human appraiser. Appraisers are using AI and other tools to supplement their skills to elevate and improve their appraisal processes so they can focus on the more complex aspects of the valua- tion process. However, it still comes down to the appraiser making the value judgement calls and forming the final value opinions. The combina- tion of technology and human judgment is leading to more reliable, transparent, and effi - cient real estate appraisals for the user of appraisal services. Jay L. White, MAI, CRE ® , is the founder of Apex Real- ty Advisory in Wilmington, DE. MAREJ
“The combination of technology and human judgment is leading to more reliable, transparent, and efficient real estate appraisals.”
changing the landscape across all in- dustries, and commercial real estate is no exception. Technology known as proptech is
work for lenders and under - writers into a core element of deal investment strategy where speed, accuracy, and data clarity all drive competi- tive advantages. AI, like any other tool, is starting to play a more prominent role in achieving those goals. Nationally, appraisers pro- duce more than half a million property valuations each year for commercial properties. Us-
ing traditional methods, many stakeholders wait weeks for appraisals, but technology be- ing used by several appraisal firms is proving that precision doesn’t have to come at the cost of effectiveness. The use of AI, data analytics, mobile devices, integrated comparable data databases, and digital tools are all employed to enhance accuracy and productivity while improving transparency
Jay L. White
impacting every facet of the commercial real estate in- dustry, including appraisals. Commercial appraisals are evolving from routine paper-
Jay L. White, MAI CRE® 101 Brandywine Boulevard Wilmington, DE 19803 P: 302-479-5300 www.apexrealtyadvisory.com
O UR S ERVICES
O UR Q UALIFICATIONS • Certified General Real Appraisers serving Delaware, Maryland, and Pennsylvania with 37+ years of appraising experience • MAI designated real estate appraiser • CRE® Counselor of Real Estate o Awarded to real estate practitioners recognized for their expertise, experience, and ethics in providing advice
• Real Estate Appraisal
o Expert valuation of commercial properties o We provide critical thinking and analysis of the commercial markets o Financial Analysis used to better evaluate development options o Appraisal reviews, arbitration, real estate tax appeals, loan workouts, and litigation support o Analysis of current market conditions and research into comparables for client internal asset management purposes o Retrospective for estate tax purposes and current for future planning
• Real Estate Consulting
• Feasibility and Market Studies
• Counseling Services
P ROPERTY T YPES
• Retail • Office • Industrial • Institutional • Mixed-Use
• Multifamily • Land • Special Purpose • Hospitality • Self-Storage
• Acquisition Due Diligence
• Estate Planning
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