An appraiser's sketch shows 2,150 sq ft; the assessor's record says 1,980. The report should:
Correct Answer
D) Verify the area and explain the material discrepancy
Investigate the discrepancy, including measurement standards, dates, area categories and actual measurements. Report the supported figure and explain material differences. Do not average conflicting measurements or accept either the appraiser’s sketch or public record solely from its source label.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
Option D is correct because the appraiser must identify property characteristics from sources reasonably believed to be reliable. Investigating differences in measurement standards, dates, area categories and actual measurements lets the appraiser report a supported figure. Explaining the material discrepancy makes the report clear to the reader.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: Omit the area figure to avoid reporting the conflict
Option A omits the area figure to avoid reporting the conflict. Area is a key property characteristic, and leaving it out to hide a discrepancy makes the report incomplete and potentially misleading.
Option B: Average the two figures without verifying either of them
Option B averages the two figures without verifying either. An average of 2,150 and 1,980 is not a measurement of the property and has no support.
Option C: Accept the assessor’s record as the correct area
Option C accepts the assessor's record of 1,980 square feet as the correct area. Public records can be outdated or use different measurement standards, so the figure must be verified rather than accepted because of its source.
Verify, Report, Explain
When two area figures conflict, verify the facts, report the supported number and explain the difference.
How to use: Use this sequence for any conflict between data sources.
Exam Tip
Prefer the answer that investigates and explains a discrepancy. Avoid answers that average, omit or defer to one source without checking.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- -Averaging conflicting area figures
- -Deferring to public records without checking
- -Leaving the area out to avoid a conflict
Concept Deep Dive
Analysis
This question tests how to handle conflicting area figures from an appraiser's sketch and public records. The appraiser should investigate the difference, report a supported figure and explain the material discrepancy. Omitting, averaging or deferring to a source by its label alone are not sound approaches.
Background Knowledge
Area discrepancies often arise because sources use different measurement standards, include different areas, or reflect different dates. Appraisers are responsible for identifying relevant characteristics from reliable sources. Reporting the supported figure and explaining a material difference helps users rely on the appraisal.
Real-World Application
An appraiser measures a home at 2,150 square feet, while county records show 1,980. The appraiser finds that a permitted addition was completed after the assessor's last update, reports the measured area, and explains the difference in the report.
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