Behind The Numbers: Demystifying Real Estate Appraisals With Andrea Callegari Within Reach podcast

In this eye-opening episode of Within Reach, Giuliana sits down with Andrea Callegari, a seasoned senior valuation consultant and accredited appraiser at Avison Young. From her early days in the family business to leading high-stakes commercial valuations today, Andrea offers a transparent and expert look at the real estate appraisal process. Whether you're an investor, property owner, or just curious about how real estate is valued, Andrea shares critical insights into the purpose, process, and power of credible appraisals. Discover how market trends, due diligence, and even meth lab explosions (!) can impact property value—and why experience and objectivity matter more than ever.

Timestamps

[00:00:00] Introduction to appraisals as powerful decision-making tools

[00:01:00] Meet Andrea Callegari – career journey & early start in appraisals

[00:04:00] Why appraisals are crucial for financing, buying, and selling

[00:06:00] Appraisals vs. Letters of Opinion: Key differences

[00:08:00] The importance of choosing a qualified appraiser

[00:10:00] Specialization by asset class and location expertise

[00:13:00] Residential vs. commercial appraisals

[00:16:00] Turnaround time: What to expect

[00:17:00] What appraisers need from clients to complete a report

[00:20:00] Addressing low-quality data and unreliable rent rolls

[00:21:00] Market trends and their effect on valuations

[00:24:00] Biggest challenge: Lack of reliable data in tertiary markets

[00:27:00] What buyers should look for in appraisal reports

[00:31:00] Crazy appraisal stories: Meth labs and missing properties

[00:34:00] When subjective judgment meets objective data

[00:36:00] Dream appraisal: Buckingham Palace

[00:38:00] Wrap-up and final thoughts

Notable Quotes

"Every report I prepare—whether residential or commercial—has to be ready to stand up in a court of law." — Andrea Callegari

"Valuation principles transcend borders, but local market knowledge still matters."

"If an appraiser doesn’t have expertise in that asset class, they shouldn’t be taking the assignment."

"Sometimes, people think their building is in great condition… and it’s really not."

"AI can’t replace physically visiting a property to verify it even exists!"

Key Takeaways

Experience matters: A credible, experienced appraiser brings not just data but discernment to valuations.
Appraisals guide more than financing: They help with estate planning, prenups, feasibility, and investment strategy.
Location & asset knowledge is key: Even with data-rich tools, understanding local markets adds value.
Due diligence is non-negotiable: Thorough document review, rent roll validation, and market benchmarking are all essential.
Expect volatility: Markets shift fast—especially post-COVID and in today’s hybrid work economy.

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Giuliana Pallotta, Broker

Coldwell Banker Ronan Realty, Brokerage

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And just a quick reminder, the content provided in this podcast is for entertainment purposes only. We are not offering professional, real estate, legal, or financial advice, and we recommend consulting with the appropriate experts before making any real estate decisions. Neither the host nor the guests or production company are liable for any actions taken based on this podcast.