The lender wanted a very thorough appraisal report for a shopping mall. Which type of appraisal report would best serve this purpose?

A narrative appraisal report is highly detailed and comprehensive, making it the best fit for a lender seeking an in-depth analysis of a shopping mall. This type of report includes extensive descriptions of the property's location, its physical characteristics, the methodology used in the appraisal process, and a market analysis. It typically features photographs, maps, and comparable sales, which provide context and supporting data for the appraised value.

The thorough nature of the narrative report allows the lender to gain a solid understanding of the property's worth and various factors that could influence its value, such as real estate trends, potential income generation, and overall market conditions. This level of detail is crucial for making informed lending decisions, especially in commercial real estate transactions.

In contrast, letter form and check list reports are generally used for less complex properties or situations where a quick estimate is required, and can often lack the depth necessary for significant investment decisions. A survey, while useful for gathering specific information, does not provide the comprehensive analysis needed in a thorough appraisal. Thus, the narrative report is the most suitable choice for the lender's request.