The two terms, property appraisal and property evaluation are two very different terms, and should not be confused when dealing with any kind of property, commercial or otherwise. The most basic way of describing the difference between the two, is to say that valuations are formal and legally binding, while an appraisal is much less formal and has no legal standing.
Appraisals carried out for residential properties vary greatly from those carried out for commercial real estate, and there are a few points it can be handy to be aware of before you seek out a valuation company:
There are those who feel that when it comes to buying commercial real estate, money can be saved by not taking advantage of the services of a licensed real estate consultant. They feel that they are effective negotiators and know enough about the market not to have to hire a professional. But is this really the case, or can a commercial real estate consultant add value to the transaction?