After a combined 50 years of appraising and brokering vineyard, estate, and agricultural properties, we at Blakeslee & Crain have reached a simple conclusion. “Buyers and sellers rarely have adequate information about rural property value when embarking on transactions,” says Chris Blakeslee. “The complexities inherent in valuing standalone vineyard land and vineyard estates with resi-dences and home sites make it difficult.” That’s why we developed our exclusive new Value Point Analysis service. Using advanced satellite-imaging technology, the process maps properties to determine the agricultural health of existing vineyards and the development potential of unplanted land. It also gathers information about improvements such as homes, ponds, and barns. Our expert appraisers then analyze the data to determine the property value and issue their findings. “The Value Point Analysis report is the confidential property of our clients, providing a reference they can consult throughout the negotiating process,” says Chris, who oversees appraisal operations. “It can also create an interactive, aerial ‘virtual tour’ of large agricultural and estate properties that we can e-mail as a digital file around the world or post on a Web site. So a buyer in New York can view a property in Sonoma Valley within minutes of phoning us. That capability instantly gives any marketing effort a truly global reach.” Detailed, comprehensive property information can be embedded in the imaging files, including disclosures, well and soil data, rootstock types, clone varieties, construction materials, and more. “It’s not just a pretty video and photographs,” says Michael Crain, who heads brokerage operations. “It’s a complete visual and informational representation of the property. Any available printed data can be incorporated into the imagery.” What makes Value Point Analysis unique is its combination of satellite-imaging technology and the interpretation of the data provided by Blakeslee & Crain’s agricultural and estate appraisal experts. We hold a California Certified General Real Estate Appraiser License, the state’s highest appraisal designation.