Commercial Appraisal Services

    Which property and which decision need a value?

    Kevin O'Brien, MAI, SRA, Certified General appraiser, California License #3005065, reviews commercial real estate assignments in Los Angeles. Begin with a property type, then identify the purpose, real estate interest, effective date, and intended recipient. A leased Downtown LA office and a family transfer of that office can need different scopes.

    Property types

    Assignment purposes

    Testimony is not assumed; whether Kevin O'Brien appears at a deposition or hearing is agreed in writing at engagement.

    Special-Use Properties

    Unique properties requiring specialized valuation approaches. Our experience includes a wide range of special-purpose assets that don't fit traditional categories.

    Estate Planning

    Accurate valuations for wealth transfer and succession planning. Our reports meet the requirements of estate attorneys, CPAs, and financial advisors.

    Divorce/Partner Dissolution

    Neutral, independent valuations for equitable distribution. We work with attorneys and mediators to provide unbiased opinions of value.

    Pre-Purchase Decisions

    Due diligence valuations to support acquisition decisions. Understand fair market value before making significant investment commitments.

    Portfolio Repositioning

    Strategic asset revaluation for portfolio management. Support buy/sell/hold decisions with current market value analysis.

    Eminent Domain

    Condemnation and just compensation valuations. We provide thorough analysis to support property owners and government agencies.

    Lending

    Commercial mortgage and financing appraisals. FIRREA-compliant reports for lenders, banks, and financial institutions.

    Need a Commercial Appraisal?

    Every property and situation is unique. Contact us to discuss your specific appraisal needs and receive a fixed quote.

    Prepare a Los Angeles commercial property for appraisal

    Does the street address identify every parcel, building, and lease in the assignment?

    A storefront address, a corner building’s alternate entrance, and the parcel shown in assessment records may not describe the same scope. Before discussing value, identify what is included: the whole property, a leased unit, several parcels, or a specified ownership interest. Tell Kevin O’Brien who will use the report and for what decision.

    The County Assessor notes that commercial, corner, and multi-unit properties can have a different address in its records. Its guidance also explains that a property boundary description is not a legal description and assessor maps are not surveys. Provide the AIN and existing deed or title information when addresses or boundaries differ.

    Los Angeles County Assessor mapping guidance

    For property in the City of Los Angeles, City Planning directs users to ZIMAS, the Planning and Zoning section, and the Zone field. The City describes a transition in which its original and new zoning codes apply in different areas. Keep the subject property’s actual zoning entry; do not substitute a nearby property’s designation. For another municipality, use its planning authority.

    Los Angeles City Planning zoning lookup instructions

    What to bring and why it helps

    Commercial appraisal preparation checklist
    Bring or describeWhy it helps define the assignment
    Full address, suite/entrance aliases, AINs, and existing deed or title documentsReconcile the requested property with the assessor record. Identify separate parcels, ownership interests, and any excluded areas before ordering.
    ZIMAS property information and available approval or permit documentsGive the appraiser the actual zoning reference alongside the property’s current use. A zoning label does not by itself prove that an operation is authorized.
    Lease-by-lease rent roll, signed leases, amendments, options, and concessionsDistinguish occupancy, contract income, reimbursements, and lease terms from the owner’s expected future income.
    Operating statements, budgets, and identified repairs or tenant improvementsExplain expenses and work included in the current operation. Separate completed improvements from estimates or proposals.
    Floor/site plans, parking or access agreements, and inspection contactsClarify what belongs to the assignment and how the building can be inspected. Identify shared areas and access restrictions.
    Transaction or assignment purpose, recipient, valuation date, and deadlineIdentify whether the request concerns an acquisition, an ownership interest, an existing leased asset, or a retrospective date. Review scope, fee, and timing in the quote.

    If a corner retail building has two mailing addresses but one assessment parcel, list both addresses and the AIN. If a portfolio request includes separate parcels, list each parcel and its leases. Those details prevent an address shortcut from silently narrowing or expanding the requested valuation.

    The Los Angeles County Assessor records help identify the parcel, not its market value. Describe missing or conflicting documents. Ask LA City Planning about ZIMAS entries for a City of Los Angeles parcel, or the actual municipality about its permissions. An appraisal does not authorize a use.

    Official references checked October 5, 2026. This is a preparation guide, not a property-specific zoning determination.

    Discuss the property and request a quoteCall (213) 232-7807

    What happens after you call

    1. Describe the parcel, buildings, ownership interest, and decision.
    2. Confirm the effective date, intended users, and available records.
    3. Review the written scope, fee, and delivery estimate.
    4. Provide records and access for the agreed analysis and report.

    An appraisal supplies a value opinion for its stated use. It does not determine tax eligibility, legal rights, permits, or a lender's decision.

    Discuss the proposed assignment