My hope for this web site is that I will be able to find the time to keep updating it with useful information. In addition to interesting links and local information, I plan to add informative articles on a somewhat regular basis. Visit the "What's New" page periodically, to check for updates. You are free to copy, print or distribute these short essays. I only ask that proper credit is given to the author.

The "Questions About Appraisals" page addresses how an appraiser goes about estimating market value in a very brief manner. This article is much more detailed. I explain market value, detail each of the steps in the appraisal process and discuss the different types of reporting formats.

Each year I conduct a thorough survey of office space in Portsmouth. Now that I have compiled three years of data, I have written an analysis of the trends. To read this article, click the "Survey of Local Office Space" link at the top of the page.

This essay explains how property taxes are determined and why revaluations and updates are necessary and useful. Before you get upset over your new assessment, you should read this piece.

A primer explaining what a homeowner should do if they think their home is too highly assessed. I explain how to determine if your assessment is unfair and how to appeal the assessment on your own.

This is basically the text of a speech that I presented to the Seacoast Board of Realtors on August 2nd, 2002. It contains a very thorough discussion of why home prices have appreciated as much as they have, the rate at which they have increased, what prices are doing now and what I think the future holds.

The Senate Executive Departments and Administration Committee is considering a bill that is intended to encourage the development of affordable, workforce housing. On February 6, 2003, I testified before the committee in support of the bill. This is the text of my comments.

This piece discusses the demand for, and supply of, condominiums intended for occupancy by individuals aged 55 and older. This is a fairly long essay; you may prefer to download it

There is a widely held misconception that the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) only applies to appraisals for banks. That is not correct. This article is a good primer on the applicability of USPAP in most circumstances, but it is written specifically for lawyers, who may be able to use an appraiser's noncompliance to their client's advantage.

I was asked to update Portsmouth's Economic Development Commission on the state of the local condominium market. This is the text of my presentation, made April 1, 2005. You can also download it, in convenient handout form.