Frequently Asked Questions

Our calculator provides a ballpark estimate based on the income capitalization method — the same approach professional appraisers use. It's a solid starting point, but actual market value depends on additional factors: physical condition, location specifics, competition, expansion potential, and current buyer demand. For a precise valuation, we recommend requesting a free professional consultation.

Absolutely. We treat all facility data and personal information with strict confidentiality. Calculator inputs are used solely to generate your estimate and improve our tools. If you request a professional valuation, your details are shared only with our advisory team — never with third parties, competitors, or other owners.

The Storage Brief is built by licensed real estate professionals who specialize exclusively in self storage transactions. Our team has collectively sold 150+ facilities across 38 states, representing over $500M in transaction volume. We created TSB because sellers deserve the same quality of market intelligence that institutional buyers have.

Our content, newsletter, and calculator are completely free. We earn brokerage commissions when facility owners choose to work with our team for a professional valuation or sale. There's never any pressure — we believe informed sellers make better decisions, whether or not they work with us.

Not at all. Many of our readers are 1-3 years from a potential sale. The Storage Brief is designed to help you understand your facility's value, track market conditions, and make informed decisions on your own timeline. Whether you're selling next month or just curious, our tools and content are built for you.

Every Tuesday morning. Each issue covers market intelligence (cap rate trends, transaction activity), valuation insights, notable deals, and actionable seller strategies. It's a 5-minute read designed to keep you informed without overwhelming your inbox.

Yes. Use our calculator for an instant estimate, then request a free professional consultation through the calculator results page. One of our senior advisors will provide a detailed, market-specific valuation within 48 hours — including comparable sales data, buyer demand analysis, and a recommended pricing strategy. No cost, no obligation.

We cover all types of self storage facilities nationwide: Class A (climate-controlled, newer construction), Class B (standard, well-maintained), and Class C (older, drive-up/basic). Our data spans primary markets (major metros), secondary markets (mid-size cities), and tertiary markets (small towns and rural areas). Whether you own a 100-unit facility or a 1,000-unit portfolio, our intelligence applies.

Cap rates are the single biggest driver of your facility's value. A lower cap rate means a higher sale price for the same NOI. For example, a facility generating $300,000 NOI valued at a 6% cap rate is worth $5,000,000. At a 5% cap rate, that same NOI is worth $6,000,000 — a $1M difference. Our articles and calculator help you understand which cap rate applies to your specific facility.

Market value is what your facility should sell for based on income, comparable transactions, and current market conditions. Sale price is what a specific buyer actually pays. They're often different. A well-run competitive process with multiple qualified buyers typically achieves a sale price at or above market value. An off-market deal or single-buyer negotiation often results in a sale price below market value. The gap can be 10-20%.