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income-approachhard

A 12-unit apartment building has a potential gross income of $120,000, comprised entirely of market rents. The market vacancy rate is 4%, but the subject's historical vacancy and collection loss over the past three years has averaged 9%. When developing an opinion of market value using the income approach, which vacancy rate should the appraiser use to estimate Effective Gross Income?

Correct Answer

C) A rate between 4% and 9%, after reconciling the property's history with market evidence.

USPAP Standards Rule 1-4(c) requires an appraiser to analyze such competitive supply and demand factors as are applicable to the appraisal problem. For a market value appraisal, the appraiser must use a market-derived vacancy rate. While the subject's historical experience is relevant data, it must be reconciled with market evidence. If the subject's rate is consistently higher than the market, it may indicate a property-specific problem that requires adjustment. The appraiser must reconcile the evidence to develop a supportable market-based estimate.

Answer Options
A
The lower 4% rate, as it reflects current market conditions.
B
The higher 9% rate, as it reflects the property's actual experience.
C
A rate between 4% and 9%, after reconciling the property's history with market evidence.
D
Either rate is acceptable as long as it is disclosed.

Why This Is the Correct Answer

USPAP Standards Rule 1-4(c) requires an appraiser to analyze such competitive supply and demand factors as are applicable to the appraisal problem. For a market value appraisal, the appraiser must use a market-derived vacancy rate. While the subject's historical experience is relevant data, it must be reconciled with market evidence. If the subject's rate is consistently higher than the market, it may indicate a property-specific problem that requires adjustment. The appraiser must reconcile the evidence to develop a supportable market-based estimate.

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