Planning & Policy Analysis

Real Estate Market Analysis

At TRF, we know that place matters. Understanding a place is critical to targeting investments that maximize impact. TRF has developed and refined highly-customizable real estate market analyses that are based on proven methodologies. For each analysis, in addition to an in-depth look at market data, TRF staff also spend significant time on-the-ground with local market experts, verifying the accuracy of how markets are characterized. These analyses can help clients develop strategies for rebuilding and stabilizing distressed real estate markets.

The following are some of the services we provide:

Estimating Low Food Access Areas and Market Viability

TRF recently completed an analysis estimating supermarket access for the continental US. TRF estimates that 23 million US residents (8.5%) live in areas with inadequate access to supermarkets – of which 19 million (83%) live in low- or moderate-income areas. TRF identified the areas where residents travel longer distances to supermarkets compared to the average distance of higher-income areas that share similar values for population density and car ownership rate. Underserved areas that were identified through this process are defined as Low Access Areas (LAAs) and represent areas with the strongest need for additional access to supermarkets.  Learn more about the methodology TRF used.

Using this analyses, TRF can help policymakers and investors on very localized analyses to increase understanding of the food access problem and guide appropriate interventions. 

Market Value Analysis (MVA)

The MVA is a proprietary tool that helps analyze and characterize local residential real estate market conditions to target investments. The MVA is a data-driven framework for restoring market viability in distressed urban real estate markets. It helps public and private investors understand how the market is performing at the census block group level.     

ALSO SEE:

Using Data and GIS to Target Neighborhood Stabilization Program Dollars - Presentation at the 2009 PA Chapter of American Planning Association Annual Conference.

Using TRF’s MVA to Target the Acquisition of Vacant & Foreclosed Properties - Presentation at the Federal Reserve System's Community Affairs Officers Conference.

GIS tool at USC WebGIS Services.

Examples:

Commercial Market Value Analysis (CMVA)

Building upon the MVA, this tool help assess the vitality of commercial corridors. TRF uses public and private data sources to both locate and characterize various aspects of a city’s commercial areas such as the stability in the number of establishments within the area; the mix of commercial activity types; and surrounding market activity.

Example:

Foreclosure Analyses

TRF understands that home equity is many households’ single greatest asset, particularly households with lower incomes. As a result, TRF is committed to understanding the dynamics that undermine the value of home equity. Our analysis is designed to help find solutions to stem the rising tide of foreclosures.

Examples:

Community Amenities and Related Real Estate Analysis

TRF uses these same real estate analytical skills to explore topics often overlooked in such analyses. What impact do local schools have on the real estate market? What impact do other amenities like supermarkets have on a community? The interplay of community and real estate is a core competence of TRF Policy Solutions and a space where TRF seeks to find quantitative answers so we can understand a place and measure change over time.

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Questions? Contact PolicySolutions@trfund.com or call 215-574-5800.