Relative comparison analysis is appropriate when:
Correct Answer
B) The market supports direction but not specific amounts
Why this is correct: Relative comparison analysis is a recognized technique within the sales comparison approach, used when market data is insufficient to derive precise, dollar-based adjustments. The governing concept is that the market may indicate the direction of an adjustment (e.g., a comparable is superior or inferior to the subject) without providing enough paired sales to quantify the exact amount. The original explanation correctly states that bracketing the subject between superior and inferior sales can lead to a supportable value conclusion. Why the other choices are wrong: The choice 'Every single adjustment in the grid can be precisely measured' describes a scenario for a fully quantitative adjustment grid, not a relative comparison. The choice 'The appraiser prefers a faster method' is incorrect because the selection of an appraisal method must be based on data reliability and appropriateness, not the appraiser's convenience. The choice 'Only one comparable sale is available' is wrong because relative comparison still requires multiple comparables to establish a meaningful bracket or range. Exam tip: Remember that relative comparison is about direction, not dollars. Look for keywords like 'bracketing,' 'superior/inferior,' or 'range' in the question stem.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
Why this is correct: Relative comparison analysis is a recognized technique within the sales comparison approach, used when market data is insufficient to derive precise, dollar-based adjustments. The governing concept is that the market may indicate the direction of an adjustment (e.g., a comparable is superior or inferior to the subject) without providing enough paired sales to quantify the exact amount. The original explanation correctly states that bracketing the subject between superior and inferior sales can lead to a supportable value conclusion. Why the other choices are wrong: The choice 'Every single adjustment in the grid can be precisely measured' describes a scenario for a fully quantitative adjustment grid, not a relative comparison. The choice 'The appraiser prefers a faster method' is incorrect because the selection of an appraisal method must be based on data reliability and appropriateness, not the appraiser's convenience. The choice 'Only one comparable sale is available' is wrong because relative comparison still requires multiple comparables to establish a meaningful bracket or range. Exam tip: Remember that relative comparison is about direction, not dollars. Look for keywords like 'bracketing,' 'superior/inferior,' or 'range' in the question stem.
More sales-comparison-approach Questions
Excess land differs from surplus land in that excess land:
A subject property has a 3-car attached garage. The appraiser locates two valid paired sales: Sale 1 (with 3-car garage) sold for $512,000; Sale 2 (with 2-car garage) sold for $497,600. Both properties are otherwise identical β same age, quality, GLA, lot size, and neighborhood β and sold 5 days apart in a balanced market. The appraiser also confirms via public records and listing photos that no other functional or physical differences exist. What is the indicated contributory value of the *third* garage stall?
The most appropriate unit of comparison is determined by:
An appraiser analyzes three paired sales to isolate the effect of a fireplace. In Pair 1, the property with a fireplace sold for $12,000 more; in Pair 2, $10,500 more; and in Pair 3, $13,500 more. All pairs are highly similar and recent. The appraiser selects $12,000 as the final adjustment. Which principle best supports this selection?
A paired sales analysis yields an adjustment of β$15,000 for a property located on a busy arterial street. Later, the appraiser discovers that all three paired properties with arterial exposure also had 20% smaller lots than their non-arterial counterparts β a difference not initially controlled for. What is the most appropriate action per USPAP?
An appraiser identifies two comparable sales that are identical in all respects except that Sale #1 has a finished basement (1,200 sq ft) and sold for $432,000, while Sale #2 has an unfinished basement of the same size and sold for $408,000. Both sales occurred within three weeks of each other in a stable market. The appraiser intends to apply a per-square-foot adjustment for basement finish to the subject property, which has a 1,000 sq ft finished basement. What is the appropriate paired-sales-derived adjustment amount per square foot for a finished basement?
Three sales support $520,000; the borrower's purchase contract is $505,000. May the appraisal conclude above the contract price?
An appraiser develops a $3,200 adjustment for a fireplace based on a single paired sale. The subject has a fireplace; Comparable A does not. The appraiser applies +$3,200 to Comparable A. Later, the appraiser identifies a second pair showing a $4,600 fireplace contribution. The appraiser replaces the original adjustment with $3,900 β the simple average β and applies it to Comparable A. What is the appropriate USPAP-compliant action regarding the adjustment amount?
A comparable sold for $300,000 with the seller carrying a loan 2 points below market, a benefit worth $8,000. What is its cash-equivalent price?
Three comparables adjust to $412,000 (gross adj. 5%), $405,000 (gross adj. 22%), and $410,000 (gross adj. 8%). What is the best-supported value conclusion?
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