A dwelling has two above-grade finished levels: 1,100 SF on the main floor and 1,100 SF on the second floor. Both levels meet all requirements of the applicable measurement standard, and no other area qualifies. What is the total qualifying area?
Correct Answer
B) 2,200 square feet
Total stated qualifying area=1,100 SF+1,100 SF=2,200 SF. Common errors: counting the second floor at half its area gives 1,650 square feet; counting each level twice gives 4,400 square feet; counting the main floor twice gives 3,300 square feet.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
Option B is correct because the two qualifying levels are added once each: 1,100 SF + 1,100 SF = 2,200 SF. No other area qualifies under the stated facts.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: 1,650 square feet
Option A, 1,650 square feet, counts the second floor at half its area, as if it were a half story: 1,100 + 550 = 1,650. Both levels fully meet the measurement standard, so the total is 1,100 + 1,100 = 2,200 square feet.
Option C: 3,300 square feet
Option C, 3,300 square feet, counts the main floor twice (1,100 × 3). Each level is counted once: 1,100 + 1,100 = 2,200 square feet.
Option D: 4,400 square feet
Option D, 4,400 square feet, counts each level twice (1,100 × 4). Each level is counted once: 1,100 + 1,100 = 2,200 square feet.
Each qualifying level once
Sum each level that meets the measurement definition one time, and leave out anything that does not qualify.
How to use: Use it when a question lists several levels and asks for the total qualifying area.
Exam Tip
Read which areas the stated facts say qualify. Distractors often double count a level or count one only in part.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- -Counting a qualifying level at only part of its area
- -Double counting a level
- -Including non-qualifying areas in the total
Concept Deep Dive
Analysis
This question tests a simple area sum under stated facts. Both above-grade finished levels are stated to meet the applicable measurement definition, and nothing else qualifies. Add each qualifying level once to find the total.
Background Knowledge
Gross living area in residential appraisal generally includes finished, above-grade space that meets the applicable measurement standard. Each qualifying level's area is measured and summed, and areas that do not qualify are reported separately. Consistent measurement supports reliable comparison with comparable sales.
Real-World Application
An appraiser measures a two-story house with equal-size first and second floors, both finished and above grade. The appraiser sums the two floors once each to report the qualifying living area and compares it with comparables measured the same way.
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