Providing tools and insights that boost performance in the small-cap CRE domain

FIELDSMART
EVALUATION

THE FIELDSMART EVALUATION — BUILT FOR SMALL-BALANCE CRE LENDING

FieldSmart Evaluation is Boxwood Means' purpose-built collateral solution for small-balance CRE. Community banks, credit unions, and regional lenders use it when a full appraisal is disproportionate to the loan size. Every report is FIRREA-compliant and IAG-aligned — regulator-ready for any loan file or credit review.

WHY CHOOSE FIELDSMART?

MORE COST-EFFECTIVE

The economics of small-balance commercial lending are not well-aligned with the cost of a full appraisal on every transaction. FieldSmart Evaluation reports are priced to match the risk profile of the loan — giving lenders a credible, well-documented collateral opinion at a fraction of what a traditional appraisal would cost. The result is a meaningful reduction in per-loan due diligence spend that compounds quickly across a portfolio of small commercial real estate loans. And unlike trimmed-down alternatives that sacrifice depth to hit a price point, FieldSmart delivers a complete scope of work at every engagement level.

DONE FASTER

Slow appraisal timelines put deals at risk. A two-to-three-week wait introduces execution uncertainty that borrowers and lenders cannot always absorb. FieldSmart Evaluations are available in as few as seven business days on standard orders — and rush delivery options exist for transactions where the timeline is even tighter. Whether you are closing a new small commercial loan, processing an annual credit review, or handling a loan renewal under time pressure, FieldSmart moves at the pace your pipeline requires.

MORE COST-EFFECTIVE
VARIETY OF APPROACHES

Not every small commercial loan calls for the same valuation methodology. FieldSmart offers four report types to match the collateral and the intended use — a standard sales comparison, an enhanced sales comparison, a combined sales-and-income approach for income-producing assets, and an income-only report for investment properties where comparable sales are in short supply. Each report is available at a different price point. If you are unsure which report type fits your collateral situation, our team will help you select the right one before you order. You can also compare all FieldSmart products alongside the FieldSmart Restricted Appraisal and Asset Value Report to find the right fit for any transaction type.

IN-HOUSE TEAM

FieldSmart Evaluations are performed entirely by Boxwood Means' own senior analysts and licensed appraisers — not distributed to a network of independent contractors or regional brokers. Every report that leaves our office carries the accountability of a named in-house professional who can be reached directly with questions. That structure produces consistent methodology, tighter quality control, and faster resolution when a lender needs clarification on a report finding. Our analysts understand small-cap CRE collateral risk from the ground up — and that expertise shows in every report we produce.

VARIETY OF APPROACHES

When your exam comes around, your collateral files need to hold up — and as our clients will attest, a FieldSmart Evaluation is exactly the kind of documentation that fits the bill.

WHAT DOES A FIELDSMART EVALUATION REPORT INCLUDE?

FieldSmart Evaluation reports are built on a more thorough analytical foundation than most evaluation products in the market. Here is what every report delivers:

  • Property data verification across more than a dozen key characteristics — year built, gross building area, lot dimensions, physical condition, improvement detail, parking configuration, zoning classification, and current occupancy — confirmed through field inspection and public record research.
  • Market research and comparable sales analysis conducted by senior analysts with direct knowledge of local small commercial real estate transaction activity, supported by documented adjustments and a clearly reasoned value conclusion.
  • On-site property inspection covering more than 50 data fields, a full exterior photo set, and a signed inspector certificate. An interior inspection add-on and an optional building sketch are available where the transaction warrants it.
  • Valuation conclusion reported on either a fee simple or leased fee basis to reflect actual ownership and occupancy conditions, with the effective date, scope of work, and limiting conditions clearly stated throughout.
  • Income and expense reconstruction — including gross income, stabilized vacancy, operating expense categories, and net operating income — for report types where the income capitalization approach is applicable to the collateral type.
  • Regulatory documentation confirming full conformance with FIRREA requirements and the Interagency Appraisal and Evaluation Guidelines (IAG) — producing an examination-ready collateral file that satisfies bank examiners, credit review committees, and internal compliance standards.
FieldSmart commercial evaluation

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is a FieldSmart Evaluation and when can it be used instead of a full appraisal?

A FieldSmart Evaluation is a commercial property evaluation report produced by Boxwood Means for small-balance CRE lending. Under FIRREA and the Interagency Appraisal and Evaluation Guidelines (IAG), regulated financial institutions may use an evaluation in lieu of a full appraisal on qualifying transactions — typically those below the applicable regulatory threshold. FieldSmart Evaluations satisfy this requirement: they are FIRREA-compliant and accepted by bank examiners as credible collateral documentation for eligible small commercial real estate loans.

How long does a FieldSmart Evaluation take to complete?

Standard FieldSmart Evaluation orders are completed in as few as seven business days, depending on the report type selected. Rush delivery options are available for time-sensitive loan originations, credit reviews, and renewals. This compares to a typical two-to-three-week turnaround for a conventional commercial appraisal — making FieldSmart the faster choice without requiring any compromise on report quality or regulatory compliance.

Which FieldSmart Evaluation report type is right for my transaction?

FieldSmart offers four report types to match the collateral and the intended use. The standard sales comparison report is most suitable for owner-occupied commercial properties. The enhanced sales comparison provides additional market depth for more complex collateral. The combined sales-and-income report applies to leased commercial assets where both approaches inform value. The income-only report is appropriate where recent sales comparables are lacking. If you are unsure which type fits your transaction, our team will help you select before you order.

Put FieldSmart to work on your next transaction. Contact us to request a sample report, ask about specific report types, or discuss your institution's collateral review requirements — and find out how Boxwood Means can streamline the due diligence process across your small commercial loan portfolio.

CONTACT US TODAY TO GET STARTED

  • Boxwood Means,llc
  • Two Stamford Landing
  • Suite 100
  • 68 Southfield Avenue
  • Stamford, CT 06902
  • Email: info@BoxwoodMeans.com
  • Phone: 203.653.4100
  • Fax: 203.653.5090

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