Members of the Appraisal Institute met at BMC for a briefing by Joe Nathanson on new online subscription products.

BMC's MetroResearch division has helped to develop two new research products that are available online to subscribers.

The Online Building Permit Data System offers access to all building permits issued since January, 2002. Year 2001 permits are being added to the system this year. Building permit data, an important economic indicator, reflect trends in the construction market, and are widely used by government, research institutions and the business community to assess the existing market, derive forecasts and create various economic products.

Subscribers will be able to access permit data by jurisdiction, including the cities of Annapolis and Baltimore and Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Harford and Howard counties; regional planning district (RPD); census tract; or zip code. In addition, data can be viewed by permit type, i.e. new residential construction, new non-residential construction and additions, alterations and repairs. Additional information includes the site address, construction description, estimated dollar amount, X and Y coordinates, and contact information for the owner and contractor.

The Baltimore Due Diligence Real Estate News was developed by Gordon Gilbert, Jr., Principal, Gilbert Advising and Appraising, who has worked in collaboration with BMC to make this information available to a wide audience. This searchable database is derived from constant monitoring of the local media for real estate and development news. Subscribers will be able to search for articles by type of use, location, time period or by key words.

For information about subscribing to either the Online Building Permit Data System or Baltimore Due Diligence Real Estate News, contact Stephanie Walsh at 410-732-9568.

Posted: July 12, 2002