vacancy levels; (iii) an unanticipated structural or environmental event at a real property asset; or (iv) material capital markets events, any of which may cause the value of a real property asset to change materially. Furthermore, the values of our real property assets are determined on an unencumbered basis. The effect of any property-level debt on our NAV is discussed further below.
Each development real property asset will be appraised by the Independent Valuation Advisor on a monthly basis, and will first be appraised by a Third-Party Appraisal Firm upon the earlier of stabilization or twelve months from substantial completion, and once per calendar year thereafter. Factors such as the status of land entitlements, permitting processes and jurisdictional approvals are considered when determining the fair value of the development.
Real Estate-Related Assets and Other Assets
Publicly traded debt and publicly traded equity securities related to real estate (collectively “Real Estate-Related Assets”) that are not restricted as to salability or transferability are fair valued monthly based on publicly available information. Generally, to the extent the information is available, such Real Estate-Related Assets are valued at the last trade of such securities that was executed at or prior to closing on the valuation day or, in the absence of such trade, the last ‘‘bid’’ price. The value of these Real Estate-Related Assets that are restricted as to salability or transferability may be adjusted by the pricing source for a liquidity discount. In determining the amount of such discount, consideration is given to the nature and length of such restriction and the relative volatility of the market price of the asset.
Other assets include, but may not be limited to, derivatives (other than interest rate hedges), credit rated government securities, cash and cash equivalents and accounts receivable. Estimates of the fair values of other assets are determined using widely accepted methodologies and, where available, on the basis of publicly available pricing quotations and information. Subject to the board of directors’ approval, pricing sources may include third parties or the Advisor or its affiliates.
Other assets also include individual investments in mortgages, mortgage participations, mezzanine loans and loans associated with our DST Program (as described under the “Valuation of Assets and Liabilities Associated with the DST Program” heading below) that are included in our determination of NAV at fair value using widely accepted valuation methodologies.
Pursuant to our valuation procedures, our board of directors, including a majority of our independent directors, approves the pricing sources of our Real Estate-Related Assets and derivatives. In general, these sources are third parties other than our Advisor. However, we may utilize the Advisor or a Black Creek Group affiliate as a pricing source if the asset is not considered material to the Company or there are no other pricing sources reasonably available,