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Seller-paid rate buydowns spread through a market as rates spike. For comparables sold with buydowns, the appraiser should:

Correct Answer

C) Measure their effect on price and adjust where the market shows one

Why this is correct: Appraisers must analyze market data empirically. If comparable sales with seller-paid rate buydowns show no price premium compared to sales without them, the market has absorbed the concession and no adjustment is needed. If they do show a premium, the appraiser measures that effect and makes an adjustment. The rule is to follow the market evidence. Why the other choices are wrong: 'Ignore buydowns since everyone offers them' is incorrect because prevalence doesn't negate analysis. 'Add the buydown cost to every sale price' is a mechanical, non-empirical approach. 'Convert every sale to last year's interest-rate environment first' is not a standard appraisal practice. Exam tip: For financing concessions, always analyze their effect on price through paired sales or market evidence, never apply automatic adjustments.

Answer Options
A
Ignore buydowns since everyone offers them
B
Add the buydown cost to every sale price
C
Measure their effect on price and adjust where the market shows one
D
Convert every sale to last year's interest-rate environment first

Why This Is the Correct Answer

Why this is correct: Appraisers must analyze market data empirically. If comparable sales with seller-paid rate buydowns show no price premium compared to sales without them, the market has absorbed the concession and no adjustment is needed. If they do show a premium, the appraiser measures that effect and makes an adjustment. The rule is to follow the market evidence. Why the other choices are wrong: 'Ignore buydowns since everyone offers them' is incorrect because prevalence doesn't negate analysis. 'Add the buydown cost to every sale price' is a mechanical, non-empirical approach. 'Convert every sale to last year's interest-rate environment first' is not a standard appraisal practice. Exam tip: For financing concessions, always analyze their effect on price through paired sales or market evidence, never apply automatic adjustments.

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