Cemetery Appraisal

[Stephen J. Vertin MAI]

David:

So much to do and so little time. In the mid-90's I used to write a lot of articles for various publications; however, I just do not have the time anymore. To write a good article it takes a couple days and to write a "pin head" AI article at least a week. If I was trying to establish myself in the appraisal world I would go for it but as stands I can barely keep up my current business. Further as stated I have only done 6 or 7 appraisals of such properties which give me a solid grasp of the basics but I would not describe myself as an expert.

 

[Brian Weaver]

James;

At least, don't do what an appraiser did in Tennessee when he appraised a graveyard...forecasted income on the entire property whether there were graves or not. It turned out that it would have required everyone within two counties to be dead and buried in the subject in order for the value to work.

However, if you want, I can fax you an 8-page document from my ancient-but-still-useful Encyclopedia of Real Estate Appraising.

I can't PDF the pages...the book is too cumbersome to scan.

Leave me a fax number at my e-mail address: bweaver@litigationappraiser.com

 

[aussie ken]

Your a Guru

David:

So much to do and so little time. In the mid-90's I used to write a lot of articles for various publications; however, I just do not have the time anymore. To write a good article it takes a couple days and to write a "pin head" AI article at least a week. If I was trying to establish myself in the appraisal world I would go for it but as stands I can barely keep up my current business. Further as stated I have only done 6 or 7 appraisals of such properties which give me a solid grasp of the basics but I would not describe myself as an expert.

Steve allow me to compliment your self on your helpful posting for James's approach to his valuation of the cemetary. Good up right response on what can be a complex issue.

Given the current difficulties of filling up city cemetries and establishing new ones an interesting but important issue has been developing down under with moves by some cemetries and crematoria to remove the almost universal notion of perpetuity and to replace it with a limited licence on the grave of 30 to 50 years.

Is that the case in states as well?

 

[The Warrior Monk]

Given the current difficulties of filling up city cemetries and establishing new ones an interesting but important issue has been developing down under with moves by some cemetries and crematoria to remove the almost universal notion of perpetuity and to replace it with a limited licence on the grave of 30 to 50 years.

Is that the case in states as well?

This sounds like "time shares" for the deceased! If I'm going to be buried, but for only 30 years...I'm making the best of it, and am being buried on the beach of some Caribbean island!

I believe regulation of cemetaries are done by the states here, so rules may vary. Here in NY internments are permanent, though bodies can be moved under certain circumstances.

If you want to bore yourself to tears, you can read about it here:

http://www.dos.state.ny.us/cmty/cemlaw.html#8

 

[erick anderson]

I have an assignment for a cemetery in rural Kentucky. Has anyone done a cemetery appraisal? If so, would you mind sharing the process or report with me? I'm mainly interested in a market analysis for cemetery properties in the U.S. and what was the driving approach to value? Income or sales comparison? This is for a continued use as a cemetery.

Thanks in Advance

Has anyone used the GDPM (gross dead-person multiplier) method in cemetery valuation?

 

[erick anderson]

James;

At least, don't do what an appraiser did in Tennessee when he appraised a graveyard...forecasted income on the entire property whether there were graves or not.

It turned out that it would have required everyone within two counties to be dead and buried in the subject in order for the value to work.

that's quite possible in Tennessee.

 

[Jimswatos]

Thank You all for your responces, however, the job was cancelled and I did not have to try to invent an appraisal from scratch. Thanks Again.

 

[Steve Owen]

Where's that icon?

woohoo

This one seems inadequate. You need a "whew" icon, wiping the sweat off its forehead.

 

[Caligirl]

Has anyone used the GDPM (gross dead-person multiplier) method in cemetery valuation?

Now...I've...heard...everything!

 

[Pat Thomson]

Night of the living appraiser

Sounds like the job is a dead issue. It would have been a monumental assignment. You would have been burried in reasearch on that one. Digging up info on these types of properties is difficult. I'm also glad you didn't get the assinment because it would have been a grave mistake given your lack of experience. I guess you can rest in piece that this one has passed on.