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A grid's final indications span $380,000 to $460,000 — a 21% spread. What does the width of the range itself communicate?

Correct Answer

C) The adjustments failed to explain the differences between the sales

Why this is correct: After adjustments, comparable sales should converge toward a narrow range reflecting the subject's value. A wide spread (like 21%) indicates that significant value differences among comparables remain unexplained, suggesting inadequate adjustments, poor comparability, or missing data. Why the other choices are wrong: 'The subject is an unusually valuable property for its neighborhood' doesn't explain the wide range among comparables. 'The market is rising rapidly' might cause variance but not such a large residual spread after time adjustments. 'Nothing; wide ranges are routine' is false; appraisers aim for convergence. Exam tip: A wide final range signals a problem in the sales comparison analysis—revisit adjustments or comparables.

Answer Options
A
The subject is an unusually valuable property for its neighborhood
B
The market is rising rapidly
C
The adjustments failed to explain the differences between the sales
D
Nothing; wide ranges are routine

Why This Is the Correct Answer

Why this is correct: After adjustments, comparable sales should converge toward a narrow range reflecting the subject's value. A wide spread (like 21%) indicates that significant value differences among comparables remain unexplained, suggesting inadequate adjustments, poor comparability, or missing data. Why the other choices are wrong: 'The subject is an unusually valuable property for its neighborhood' doesn't explain the wide range among comparables. 'The market is rising rapidly' might cause variance but not such a large residual spread after time adjustments. 'Nothing; wide ranges are routine' is false; appraisers aim for convergence. Exam tip: A wide final range signals a problem in the sales comparison analysis—revisit adjustments or comparables.

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