A site slopes toward a nearby creek. Which listed issue is most directly relevant to investigate from these facts?
Correct Answer
B) Drainage and flooding risk
Investigate drainage paths, creek flood elevations or mapping, erosion and site design as appropriate. Slope toward a creek does not by itself establish that a proposed building area floods, requires insurance or suffers a fixed market discount. Soil, wind and orientation can also matter, but their actual effects need relevant evidence rather than a universal keyword rule.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
Option B is correct because a slope toward a creek directly raises questions about surface drainage paths, erosion and possible flooding from the creek. Topography and drainage are listed together among a site's important physical characteristics. The appraiser should investigate drainage, flood mapping or elevations as appropriate rather than assume damage.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: Soil compaction issues
Option A, soil compaction issues, is wrong as the best answer because slope toward a creek does not point most directly to compaction; soil conditions can matter but need their own evidence.
Option C: Wind exposure problems
Option C, wind exposure problems, is wrong because the facts concern slope and nearby water, which relate to drainage, not to wind.
Option D: Solar orientation challenges
Option D, solar orientation challenges, is wrong because a slope toward a creek says nothing specific about sun exposure; orientation is a separate issue that needs its own facts.
Water runs downhill
If the land slopes toward water, think first about where the water goes and whether it comes back up.
How to use: Use this when a site fact involves slope near a creek, river or pond.
Exam Tip
Pick the issue that follows most directly from the stated facts, not one that could matter in some other situation.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- -Assuming a slope toward a creek means the house floods
- -Applying a fixed discount without market evidence
- -Overlooking drainage and focusing on unrelated site factors
Concept Deep Dive
Analysis
This question tests your ability to connect a site fact to the issue it most directly raises. Land that slopes toward a creek points to how water moves across the site and whether the creek can flood. Choose the issue that follows most directly from slope and nearby water.
Background Knowledge
Important site characteristics include size, shape, frontage, topography, soil conditions, drainage and orientation. Proximity to water and slope can affect drainage and flood exposure, but the actual effect depends on flood mapping, elevations and site design.
Real-World Application
An appraiser inspects a lot that drops toward a creek at the rear. The appraiser checks flood maps, notes drainage patterns and erosion, and considers whether the building area sits above the flood zone.
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