Professional photo of Laura Havel.

Laura Havel

Principal MAI, CCIM, CPA Chicago
Specializes In: Real Estate

I love to travel and, recently, this has led to discovering a hidden gem of a local winery in Italy to fulfilling a lifelong dream of staying in a Scottish castle. Each experience enriches my perspective and spurs me to plan the next adventure.
Laura Havel
Principal, MAI, CCIM, CPA

Experience

As the leader of the firm’s real property valuation practice, I provide real property appraisals and tangible and intangible real estate consultation services. My expertise covers real property appraisals and consulting services for nearly every property type in markets around the globe.

We have a wide client base, providing real property services for financial reporting; estate and trust gifting; dispositions and acquisitions; planning and tax reporting; noncash donations; litigation; financing; lease accounting; and others.

With more than 25 years of experience in the real estate industry, I have a passion for real property and challenging engagements. I enjoy working with clients to identify solutions that meet their needs and am always excited to participate in on-site inspections to see properties for myself. Learning about client investment decisions, manufacturing processes, and each asset’s attributes is something I appreciate and keeps me passionate about the industry.

I’m often asked to speak or moderate regarding topics on valuation, the real estate market, and conditions in general, as well as financial reporting topics. Recently, I shared perspectives at NICAR’s panel discussion on property valuation and took part in a webinar with M&D professionals on lease accounting strategies.

My affiliations with CREW, ULI, and various real estate associations underscore my commitment to industry leadership and inclusiveness. Notably, my involvement with the Goldie Initiative as a mentor and committee member reflects my dedication to empowering women in real estate.

I’m licensed as a certified general appraiser in more than 25 states and one territory and am GAO Yellow Book Qualified. I’m also qualified in the Uniform Appraisal Standards for Federal Land Acquisitions.

Education has been a cornerstone of my journey, complementing my B.A. in mass communications and journalism from the University of Iowa with an M.B.A. in finance and an M.S. in accountancy from DePaul University, and an M.A. in secondary teaching from National Louis University. These diverse disciplines have enriched my analytical skills and knowledge.

Beyond professional pursuits, I cherish moments with family and friends, relishing solitude amid globetrotting adventures. Golfing across various courses and immersing myself in literature are cherished pastimes that fuel my curiosity and drive for continuous learning.