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  • G.A. Farrell & Associates Ltd | Methodology

    G.A. Farrell & Associates Ltd, a leading firm of Chartered Valuation Surveyors, specialized in the valuation of properties in Trinidad & Tobago. Methodology Appraisal Process In broad terms, valuation theory recognises three distinct methodologies (or approaches) in valuation. These are the market approach (sometimes known as the direct market comparison approach), the income approach, and the cost approach. Market Approach (a.k.a. Direct Market Comparison Approach) “An approach that provides an indication of value by comparing the subject asset with identical or similar assets for which price information is available”. The Market Approach measures the value of an asset by comparing recent sales or offerings of similar or substitute property and related market data. The similar transactions method uses valuation data based on historical transactions that have occurred in the subject asset’s direct or related industries. The derived data are then adjusted and applied to the appropriate operating data of the subject asset to arrive at an indication of value. This Approach is very popular in many assignments as it is reflective of the interplay of buyers and sellers in the open market. In order for this approach to be reliable however, it is necessary for there to be a significant number of sales of properties similar to the one for which the assignment is being carried out. The Income Approach “An approach that provides an indication of value by converting future cash flows to a single current capital value”. The Income Capitalization Approach is based on the principle that the value of a property is indicated by the net return to the property, or what is also known as the present worth of future benefits. The Income Capitalization Approach considers a property’s potential cash flow and analyses the present worth of the anticipated future benefits to the owner over an assumed holding period. The Income Approach is of considerable importance in appraising commercial properties. Most purchasers of this type of property are generally concerned primarily with an income stream, which is what this approach relies on. The disadvantage of this approach is that it is sometimes based on projections of the future. The Cost Approach “An approach that provides an indication of value using the economic principle that a buyer will pay no more for an asset than the cost to obtain an asset of equal utility, whether by purchase or construction”. The Cost Approach is based on the principle of substitution and is valuable in distinctive properties for which there are either very few or no sales of similar properties. Its drawbacks are that it does not sufficiently rely on market preferences, and in cases of older properties, the quantum of depreciation to be charged is not easily identified. This approach to value follows the following steps: Determine the value of the site as if vacant; Calculate the replacement cost new of the improvements; Estimate the depreciation form from all causes (physical, functional and external); Add the site value to the depreciated value of the improvements. As will be seen from the above, all three approaches vary in effectiveness for specific assignments. Although all three approaches may give reliable indications of value on occasions, frequently, one or two may be totally inappropriate. In arriving at an estimate of value of the subject property, all of the above approaches were considered and one or more of them utilized. Definitions Market Value : The estimated amount for which an asset or liability should exchange on the valuation date between a willing buyer and a willing seller in an arm’s length transaction, after proper marketing and where the parties had each acted knowledgeably, prudently and without compulsion. Market Rent: The estimated amount for which a property would be let on the valuation date between a willing lessor and a willing lessee on appropriate lease terms in an arm’s length transaction, after proper marketing and where the parties had each acted knowledgeably, prudently and without compulsion. Replacement Cost : The cost of obtaining an alternative asset of equivalent utility excluding retaining walls, boundary walls and fences, swimming pools and other water features, site clearance, professional fees and VAT. Contributory Value : The contribution made by a particular feature or component to the value of the whole property. Marketable Title : A title not subject to reasonable doubt or suspicion of invalidity in the mind of a reasonable, intelligent person; one which a prudent person guided by competent legal advice would be willing to accept and purchase at a market value. Highest and Best Use : The use of an asset that maximises its productivity and that is possible, legally permissible and financially feasible. IPMS 1: The Floor Area measured to the external extent of the External Walls and to any Notional Boundaries, External Floor Areas or Sheltered Areas. – International Property Measurement Standards: All Buildings dated 15 January 2023. This standard of measurement is similar to the former Gross External Area (GEA).

  • G.A. Farrell & Associates Ltd | Our Policies

    G.A. Farrell & Associates Ltd, a leading firm of Chartered Valuation Surveyors, specialized in the valuation of properties in Trinidad & Tobago. Our Policies Limiting Conditions & Assumptions Read More Anti-Bribery & Corruption Policy Read More Complaints Handling Procedure (CHP) Read More

  • G.A. Farrell & Associates Ltd | Limiting Conditions & Assumptions

    G.A. Farrell & Associates Ltd, a leading firm of Chartered Valuation Surveyors, specialized in the valuation of properties in Trinidad & Tobago. Limiting Conditions & Assumptions 1. If the Valuer has provided a sketch in the valuation report, it is to show approximate dimensions of the building and the sketch is included only to assist the reader of the report in visualising the property and understanding the Valuer’s determination of its size. 2. If the Valuer has provided GPS coordinates (Global Positioning System referenced to WGS 1984 UTM), it is to show the approximate location of the property and is included only to assist the reader of the report in locating the property. While it depends in part on atmospheric conditions prevailing at the time the reading was taken, the accuracy of the coordinates is generally within 15m. 3. The valuation report, which has been prepared in accordance with the terms of engagement (TOE), is not a Court document and is not to be used in any Court proceedings. On acceptance of the TOE, the client had accepted that no representative of this firm will give testimony or appear in Court by reason of having prepared a valuation of the property unless specific arrangements to do so have been made beforehand. 4. The purpose and function of the report and valuation for mortgage is to enable the lending institution to assess the security offered by the property for the proposed loan. Unless otherwise stated, the client has not commissioned another specialist survey of the property, structural or otherwise. It must not be assumed that if defects are not mentioned in the report, all parts of the structure are free from defect. Where attention is drawn to some defects, it does not mean that other defects may not exist. Moreover, services have not been tested. 5. If the client is proposing to purchase the property and wishes to be satisfied as to the condition of it, he or she must have a surveyor’s detailed inspection and report of their own before deciding whether to enter into a contract. If the property is of architectural or historic interest, appropriate specialist advice should be sought before carrying out any works. 6. It is assumed that in the event of the destruction of the existing structure(s) if any, all approvals would be granted from the appropriate Statutory Authorities for the reconstruction of a similar building on the site. 7. It is assumed that the property is connected to, and there is the right to use, the reported main services on normal terms. It is also assumed that sewers, main services and the roads giving access to the property have been adopted and that any lease provides rights of access and egress over all communal grounds, parking areas and other facilities. 8. This report does not constitute a structural survey and the opinion of value is contingent upon - a) Good and marketable title; b) Vacant possession is available unless otherwise stated in the Report; c) Planning permissions and statutory requirements for the existing building and its use, including any extensions or alterations have been granted; d) Statutory approvals have been or would be granted for the existing or highest and best use of the site; e) No deleterious or hazardous materials have been used; f) There is no contamination; g) There are no unusual or onerous outgoings and restrictive covenants and there have been no breaches of the lessee’s covenants to 8. warrant a determination of the lease; h) There are no encumbrances or encroachments; i) All parts of the property which are covered, unexposed or inaccessible are in satisfactory repair and condition and an inspection of those parts which have not been inspected, or a survey inspection carried out, would not reveal material defects or cause the valuer to materially alter the valuation; j) 1There are rights to use the roads, drains and all communal areas and facilities; k) No account has been taken of an additional bid by a prospective purchaser with a special interest; l) All information, data, title documents and plans provided by the client and mortgage applicant which were relied upon by the valuer were true and correct; m) There are no outstanding taxes, rates or charges associated with the property; n) The services and any associated controls or software are in working order or free from defect; o) The building and other improvements are structurally sound; p) Where the property is part of a building/development (e.g. townhouses and apartments): i. There is a properly formed and operated management company; ii The cost of repairs and maintenance to the building and grounds are shared equitably; iii. The leases of all the properties in the building/development are materially the same and there are suitable, enforceable covenants d. between all leaseholders; iv. There are no substantial defects, or other matters requiring expenditure (in excess of the current amount or assumed amount of service charge payable on an annual basis), expected to result in charges to the leaseholder; v. Where the subject property forms part of a mixed residential/commercial building or development, there will be no significant changes in the existing pattern of use. 9. This Valuation Report is provided for your benefit alone and solely for the purposes of the instruction to which it relates. Our valuation may not, without our written consent, be used or relied upon by any third party, even if that third party pays all or part of our fees or is permitted to see a copy of our valuation report. If we do provide written consent to a third party relying on our valuation, any such third party is deemed to have accepted the terms of our engagement. 10. Neither the whole nor any part of this Valuation Report or any reference hereto may be included in any published document, circular or statement, or published in any way, without the Valuer’s written approval of the form and context in which it may appear. 11. It should be noted that the valuation does not constitute an ESG risk assessment or ESG rating in the event, or otherwise, any identifiable and quantifiable ESG-related factors were considered and analysed for its potential impact on the valuation. 12. No investigation has been undertaken with the land registry, regional corporations, public utilities, town planning department, EMA, or any other government body in preparation of this report. 13. It is expressly agreed that in the absence of authoritative information and/or formal advice from any planning authority or related State body, the valuer will make an assumption as to the highest and best use of the property considering, but not limited to, the characteristics of the property including its current use and the character of the neighbourhood. If subsequent investigation by a suitably qualified professional reveals that such use is not allowed by the relevant authorities, the opinion of value could be significantly affected, and the valuer shall not be liable for any such difference. Should any planning permission document, status-of-land letter, completion certificate and/or an approved development plan be provided prior to the completion of this valuation assignment, it will be assumed that the information contained therein is true and correct and no further investigation will be conducted. It is strongly recommended that a suitably qualified professional verify that all relevant approvals have been or would be granted, wherever applicable. 14. We did not undertake a land survey therefore we cannot confirm the size or precise boundaries of the site.

  • G.A. Farrell & Associates Ltd | Our Services

    G.A. Farrell & Associates Ltd, a leading firm of Chartered Valuation Surveyors, specialized in the valuation of properties in Trinidad & Tobago. Our Services In an effort to better serve our clients, the firm has contracted the services of Mr. Clifford Murray (MRICS). Now, when clients are constructing a building, the firm is able to provide both the Quantity Surveyor’s Report as well as the Valuation Report that mortgage lending institutions customarily request. The firm’s valuation, quantity surveying and property consultancy services can be utilized for many important reasons including: Purchase: Buying A Home Mortgage/Refinance: Refinance For Profit Insurance: How Much House Insurance Do I Need? Construction Sale Stamp Duty Balance Sheet Statutory requirements Site identification and negotiation for purchaser acquisition Please contact us to find out how we may be of assistance to you. Contact Us

  • G.A. Farrell & Associates Ltd | Insurance

    G.A. Farrell & Associates Ltd, a leading firm of Chartered Valuation Surveyors, specialized in the valuation of properties in Trinidad & Tobago. Insurance How Much Insurance Do I Need? For most people, the answer to this question is obtained when they first buy their home. At that time, a valuation is customarily done and the valuation report will state the sum recommended for insurance. If they are getting a mortgage loan, the Bank will usually insist that the house be insured for a sum not less than that stated in the valuation report.Unfortunately, thousands live in their home for several years and never change the amount of their house insurance. In a time of increasing costs, this can be very dangerous to a homeowner. It is like playing Russian roulette.Let’s examine a case where a homeowner Mr. I. N. Trouble buys a property for $600,000 at which time the cost to replace the building is $400,000. At that time, he buys insurance on the building for $400,000. After a period of 10 years, let us assume that his building will now cost $600,000 to replace. However, he has never increased his house insurance…and… DISASTER!…his house is fully destroyed. Mr. I.N. Trouble will be entitled to a cheque for $400,000. (the amount of his house insurance). However, to replace the house he had, it will cost him $600,000 and as a result, he will have lost $200,000. The worse is yet to come. In obtaining his mortgage loan, his house insurance was assigned to the Bank that carries his loan. The cheque from the insurance company will therefore go to the bank first, and only be released to him in some format, if and when he rebuilds his house. O.K. you say, but a house is rarely 100% destroyed. What if it is only 60% destroyed? Surely Mr. I. N. Trouble will get the full $360,000 (60% of the replacement cost of $600,000.) as his insurance is $400,000? The answer is NO. In this scenario, he will get $240,000. This represents 60% of what the house is actually insured for (which is $400,000.) and therefore, he will be short $120,000 i.e. $360,000 (the cost of repairs) – $240,000 (insurance proceeds). This clearly shows the danger of sitting back and not paying attention to your house insurance. For all of you who are guilty of not checking to see if your house insurance is sufficient, please contact a qualified expert. It may be a Quantity Surveyor, Engineer, Architect, Valuer or Contractor. Their fee will depend on the value of your home, and will generally be between 1/6 – 1/3 of 1% of its value (i.e. divide the value of the building by between 600-300). While it may appear costly at first, it is definitely worth it when compared to what you might lose. It is also important to select the insurance company very carefully. A major consideration is that the company is financially sound. In addition, it should have a good reputation for settling claims. While cost is a factor, it is not a good idea to select a company solely by the insurance premium. The sum you save now may not seem worth it when you are having difficulty in obtaining a settlement cheque for your loss. Finally, having a good insurance agent is also very advisable. You want an agent who is knowledgeable in insurance and has an interest in your needs. Do not procrastinate. The time to get professional advice is NOW. Contact a professional or G.A. Farrell & Associates Limited.

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