In a narrative appraisal report, the appraiser must include a detailed discussion of the approaches to value used. If the cost approach was not used for a 30-year-old residential property, the appraiser must:
Correct Answer
B) Explain why the cost approach was not used or given limited weight
USPAP Standards Rule 2-2 requires that when an approach to value is excluded, the appraiser must explain why it was not used or given limited weight. This ensures transparency in the valuation methodology and reasoning.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
Option B is correct because USPAP Standards Rule 2-2(a)(viii) explicitly requires appraisers to explain why any of the three approaches to value were excluded or given limited weight in the analysis. This transparency requirement ensures that report users understand the appraiser's methodology and reasoning. Simply omitting discussion of an approach without explanation would violate USPAP standards and leave report users without crucial information about the valuation process. The explanation helps establish the credibility and completeness of the appraisal analysis.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: Simply omit any reference to the cost approach
Option A violates USPAP Standards Rule 2-2 requirements by failing to provide transparency about methodology decisions. Simply omitting reference to an approach without explanation leaves report users uninformed about why a standard valuation method was excluded, which undermines the credibility and completeness of the analysis.
Option C: Include a brief cost approach analysis anyway
Option C is inefficient and potentially misleading because if the cost approach is not reliable or applicable for the subject property, including a brief analysis anyway could confuse report users or suggest the approach has validity when it doesn't. USPAP requires explanation of exclusion, not forced inclusion of inappropriate methods.
Option D: State that the cost approach is not applicable to residential properties
Option D is factually incorrect because the cost approach can be applicable to residential properties, particularly newer construction or unique properties where replacement cost is relevant. Making a blanket statement that cost approach doesn't apply to residential properties would be professionally inaccurate and misleading.
The 'EEE' Rule
Remember 'EEE' - Exclude, Explain, Everything. When you Exclude an approach, you must Explain why, for Everything (all three approaches) in narrative reports.
How to use: When you see questions about omitting approaches in narrative reports, think 'EEE' - you can't just exclude without explaining. This reminds you that USPAP requires transparency in methodology decisions.
Exam Tip
Look for keywords like 'narrative report,' 'omitted approach,' or 'excluded approach' in questions - these often test USPAP Standards Rule 2-2 requirements for explanation and transparency.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- -Thinking you can simply omit approaches without explanation in narrative reports
- -Confusing requirements between narrative and form reports
- -Believing certain approaches never apply to specific property types
Concept Deep Dive
Analysis
This question tests knowledge of USPAP Standards Rule 2-2 requirements for narrative appraisal reports, specifically regarding the transparency and completeness of methodology disclosure. The Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice mandates that appraisers must provide clear reasoning for their valuation approach decisions, including explanations when standard approaches are excluded. This requirement ensures that users of appraisal reports can understand the appraiser's decision-making process and evaluate the credibility of the valuation conclusion. The rule applies to all three traditional approaches to value: sales comparison, cost, and income approaches.
Background Knowledge
USPAP Standards Rule 2-2 governs the content requirements for narrative appraisal reports, emphasizing transparency and completeness in methodology disclosure. The rule specifically addresses the three traditional approaches to value (sales comparison, cost, and income) and requires explanation when any approach is excluded or given limited weight.
Real-World Application
In practice, an appraiser valuing a 30-year-old residential property might exclude the cost approach due to difficulty in estimating accrued depreciation or lack of reliable cost data. The narrative report would include a section explaining that the cost approach was not used because the age of the improvements makes depreciation estimates unreliable, and the sales comparison approach provides more credible value indications for this property type and market.
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