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An appraiser is reconciling age-life estimates for a 32-year-old medical office building. She develops three independent opinions of effective age: 28 years (based on physical inspection), 35 years (based on functional obsolescence from outdated exam room layouts), and 22 years (based on recent $2.1M tech-driven renovation and lease-up at above-market rents). What is the appropriate next step in applying the age-life method?

Correct Answer

C) Reconcile the indications using professional judgment, weighting each based on relevance, reliability, and support in market evidence.

USPAP Standards Rule 1-4 requires the appraiser to reconcile multiple value indications—and similarly, multiple depreciation indicators—using reasoned analysis and professional judgment. Effective age is a single, supported opinion, not an average or rigidly constrained value. Options A, B, and D reflect mechanical, regulatory, or arbitrary rules not found in USPAP or accepted appraisal practice. Only C aligns with USPAP’s requirement for reconciliation based on credibility and market support.

Answer Options
A
Average the three ages (28 + 35 + 22) ÷ 3 = 28.3 years and use that as effective age.
B
Select the lowest age (22 years) because renovations always supersede other factors per IRS Rev. Proc. 2023-10.
C
Reconcile the indications using professional judgment, weighting each based on relevance, reliability, and support in market evidence.
D
Reject the 22-year estimate because effective age cannot be less than 80% of actual age per FIRREA guidelines.

Why This Is the Correct Answer

USPAP Standards Rule 1-4 requires the appraiser to reconcile multiple value indications—and similarly, multiple depreciation indicators—using reasoned analysis and professional judgment. Effective age is a single, supported opinion, not an average or rigidly constrained value. Options A, B, and D reflect mechanical, regulatory, or arbitrary rules not found in USPAP or accepted appraisal practice. Only C aligns with USPAP’s requirement for reconciliation based on credibility and market support.

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