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An appraiser uses paired sales to estimate the adjustment for proximity to a public park. Four valid pairs yield adjustments of +$7,200, +$6,800, +$8,100, and +$7,900. The appraiser calculates the mean ($7,500) and notes the range is $1,300. Before applying the adjustment, the appraiser adjusts the $7,500 downward by 5% to reflect weakening buyer preference observed in the most recent two months of listings. Which USPAP requirement does this downward revision most directly satisfy?

Correct Answer

B) Standards Rule 1-4: Adjustments must be supported by market evidence

Standards Rule 1-4 states that adjustments must be 'based on market-derived data' and 'supported by evidence indicating the degree of influence' of the characteristic. Simply averaging paired results is insufficient if market conditions have shifted — the appraiser must reconcile and support the final adjustment with *current* market evidence. By modifying the mean to reflect observed weakening demand, the appraiser demonstrates ongoing support from market behavior (e.g., longer time-on-market for park-proximate homes, price reductions), satisfying SR 1-4’s requirement for supportable, market-responsive adjustments.

Answer Options
A
Standards Rule 1-2: Data must be current and relevant
B
Standards Rule 1-4: Adjustments must be supported by market evidence
C
Standards Rule 1-5: The report must identify the effective date of the appraisal
D
Advisory Opinion 17: Paired sales analysis must isolate the influence of a single element of comparison

Why This Is the Correct Answer

Standards Rule 1-4 states that adjustments must be 'based on market-derived data' and 'supported by evidence indicating the degree of influence' of the characteristic. Simply averaging paired results is insufficient if market conditions have shifted — the appraiser must reconcile and support the final adjustment with *current* market evidence. By modifying the mean to reflect observed weakening demand, the appraiser demonstrates ongoing support from market behavior (e.g., longer time-on-market for park-proximate homes, price reductions), satisfying SR 1-4’s requirement for supportable, market-responsive adjustments.

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