Ugly or Beautiful: A Fair Look at Property Value

A friend called me today, disappointed.

He wasn’t trying to sell his commercial property. He just wanted an estimate from a broker. The number came in way lower than he had in mind. Lower than what it would even cost to rebuild the structure, let alone buy the land.

I understand how he feels.

It reminded me: every mother thinks her baby is the most beautiful in the world. From her perspective? Absolutely true. From the outside? Not always.

Yes, there are formulas to calculate value without emotion. Yes, superior properties deserve premiums over their comparables. But at the end of the day, value is whatever a buyer is willing to pay.

To property owners: Don’t let a disappointing number break you. You only need to find one buyer who appreciates your property the way you do. At the same time, be fair to acknowledge that not everyone will think your “baby” is the most beautiful.

To buyers: Have mercy. Visit the site, talk with the tenants, feel the connection. Then run your numbers. Because this investment isn’t just about return. It’s about the relationships you build, the community you serve, and the ugly “baby” you alone find beautiful. Is it?