Guides
What an appraisal actually measures, which value a lender uses, and how the number becomes a loan amount
An appraisal is not a mechanical inspection. It is a resale estimate that decides how much a lender will advance, and the basis it is written on matters more than the headline figure. These guides cover which value gets used, who is qualified to produce it, and how titled vehicles differ from yellow iron. Start with equipment appraisal, or see equipment financing.
Titled vehicles and untitled heavy equipment are appraised and secured differently. How title, serial numbers and UCC filings change the advance on assets of equal value.
Read moreDesktop appraisals are built from records and photographs and run conservative. On-site inspections cost more and take longer but let above-average equipment beat the assumption.
Read moreHow an equipment appraisal becomes a loan amount: the basis, the advance rate, existing liens and costs. Why the same advance rate can mean very different money.
Read moreOrderly and forced liquidation value describe the same equipment sold on different timelines. Which basis a lender uses decides the advance, and the gap between them is wide.
Read moreNot every valuation counts. Which appraisal credentials lenders accept, why USPAP matters, and why a dealer's offer or a price guide printout is not an appraisal.
Read moreTell us what you own, its age and condition, and what is still owed. We will tell you plainly what the equity is likely to carry.