Real estate is an investment vehicle that requires the singular attention of professionals who are informed and connected to the latest market trends. Whether for sale, purchase, mortgage financing or liquidation after repossession or seizure, real estate values are subject to the vagaries of the economy, the market for each building category and the financial conditions of the property under analysis.

We have received accreditation from most financial institutions, including:

• Royal Bank
• Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC)
• Bank of Montreal
• National Bank Financial Group
• Business Development Bank of Canada
• HSBC
• Laurentian Bank
• Industrial Alliance
• Mutuelle des Fonctionnaires du Québec (MFQ)
• Desjardins

In recent years, the experts at DeRico Experts-Conseils have participated in the majority of transactions involving major portfolios and/or buildings in the Quebec City region. Our professionals, led by Martin De Rico, É.A., chartered appraiser, have taken part in the due diligence review process for the following transactions:

• Portfolio of office buildings belonging to Marcel Adams acquired by Whiterock REIT
• Portfolio of office buildings belonging to Kevlar acquired by Whiterock REIT
• Samuel Holland complex acquired by GE Capital
• Portfolio of retirement homes belonging to Groupe Mélior acquired by Chartwell REIT
• And many other large-scale retail and office buildings

Feasibility studies serve to determine whether the real estate project is technically feasible and economically viable. From a wider perspective, our appraisers and analysts examine the following factors: site quality, rent potential vs. project construction cost and market value once the project has been completed and stabilized occupancy wise.

The study is based on an examination of the possible financial scenarios to justify the project in terms of achievable, measurable, realistic, quantitative objectives in a given context while proposing ways to achieve them.

The feasibility study will therefore be used in the appraisal report for purposes of financing, marketing and presentations to the project sponsors and/or investors for their approval and commitment.

Our market knowledge in conjunction with thorough analysis of the latest transactions provides a powerful edge for any real estate owners wishing to effectively position their property on the market.

Our expertise for estimating the rental values when renewing a space or putting it up on the market represents value-added in the owner's negotiations. Our firm regularly serves as a consultant for institutions, major private property owners as well as for lessees wishing to know the fair market rental value on a given date.

Our appraisers regularly assess sites and premises to determine their best and most profitable use. They consider applicable laws, the probability of success, and demand for the asset. We also consult and analyze the need for and profitability of real estate projects.

Municipal and school taxes along with energy consumption are the most important building operating expenses. This division, directed by Martin De Rico, É.A., chartered appraiser, specializes in managing property taxes and auditing assessed values at the municipal level.

Our experts will support you as you negotiate value prior to filing the municipal roll. This includes pre-filing negotiations and/or analysis and pertinence of filing an application for the review of the appraisal after the various appraisal services and/or the organizations responsible for municipal evaluations (OMRE) have filed the triennial role. Once the review process is underway, our experts will seek out a negotiated settlement. If the assessor’s reply is negative, our role will be to prepare an expert report and provide testimony during the hearing before the Tribunal administratif du Québec (TAQ).

Real estate typically undergoes a variety of changes during its useful life: expansion, construction of a new building, or even the demolition of an existing one. DeRico Experts-Conseils has developed a proactive approach for appraisal services and the organizations responsible for municipal evaluations (OMRE). Our approach helps your municipal file to progress. It also ensures that the municipal tax laws are properly applied and that the value filed with the roll reflects the true value of your asset as of the market reference date.

Municipal, provincial and federal agencies and Crown Corporations have the power to acquire private assets for public purposes. This process, named expropriation, is governed by law as well as the jurisprudence ensuing from court decisions.

Mr. Steeve Cassidy, É.A., chartered appraiser has a wealth of expertise on expropriation gathered from his work on major files for several municipalities. These mandates usually require a negotiation with the contributor and, as needed, the preparation of an expert report for the Tribunal administratif du Québec (TAQ) to ensure that the indemnities offered and paid fairly reflect the real estate and accessory damages.

This division’s manager, Mr. Mario Perreault, É.A., chartered appraiser, is an expert in the appraisal of heavy machinery and equipments. Whether for financing, insurance, liquidation or litigation, clients in the retail, manufacturing and raw materials processing sectors have retained our services.

The court recognizes four (4) of our firm’s chartered appraisers as expert witnesses for cases of disputes, expropriation and municipal assessment appeal. The most important law firms in the province of Quebec use our services.

The construction and mortgage financing markets are tightly bound in real estate development. Our cost monitoring service protects the creditor and the borrowing customer. Under its manager, Mr. Christian Laflamme, É.A., chartered appraiser, this division closely controls costs, obtains acquittances, and manages holdbacks.