For Fannie Mae assignments under the cited B4-1.3-05 policy, which contrast between covered single-family measurement and the usual 2–4 unit GBA comparison is correct?
Correct Answer
C) Covered single-family areas follow ANSI; 2–4 unit GBA includes finished below-grade/interior common area but not exterior common area
For the covered Fannie assignments, the cited Guide uses ANSI measurement/reporting for attached/detached single-family dwellings, subject to stated exceptions and applicable requirements. Two-to-four-unit GBA includes finished above/below-grade area and interior common areas on an exterior basis, excluding exterior common areas. UAD 3.6 users follow its applicable supplement.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
Option C is correct because the cited guide applies ANSI measurement to covered attached and detached single-family dwellings. For two- to four-unit properties, GBA is the most common comparison and includes finished above- and below-grade living area and interior common areas on an exterior basis. GBA cannot count exterior common areas such as open stairways.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: Both measures include unfinished basements and exterior stairs in the reported finished area
Option A says both measures include unfinished basements and exterior stairs in finished area. GBA excludes exterior common areas such as open stairways, and unfinished space is not reported as finished area.
Option B: ANSI measurement applies to vacant land, while GBA is prohibited for 2–4 unit properties and replaced by per-unit room counts
Option B says ANSI applies to vacant land and that GBA is prohibited for 2-4 unit properties in favor of room counts. ANSI applies to single-family dwellings, and GBA is the most common comparison for 2-4 unit properties, so both parts are wrong.
Option D: Single-family area ignores grade, and 2–4 unit GBA excludes finished below-grade area
Option D says single-family area ignores grade and that 2-4 unit GBA excludes finished below-grade area. Single-family reporting separates above- and below-grade areas, and GBA must include finished below-grade living area.
One Unit ANSI, Multi-Unit GBA
Single-family homes follow ANSI; 2-4 unit properties compare by GBA, which counts finished space inside but not exterior common areas.
How to use: Use this split to check which measurement rule an answer applies.
Exam Tip
In contrast questions, verify each half of the answer separately. One wrong half makes the whole option wrong.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- -Applying single-family above-grade rules to 2-4 unit GBA
- -Excluding finished basements from GBA
- -Counting open exterior stairways as building area
Concept Deep Dive
Analysis
This question tests the difference between Fannie Mae's measurement approach for covered single-family dwellings and the GBA comparison typical for two- to four-unit properties. Single-family dwellings follow ANSI measurement and reporting, while 2-4 unit GBA includes finished above- and below-grade area and interior common areas but excludes exterior common areas. The answer must state both parts correctly.
Background Knowledge
Fannie Mae requires consistent measurement so that subject and comparables are analyzed on the same basis. Single-family dwellings use the ANSI standard, which separates above-grade and below-grade areas. Two- to four-unit properties commonly use GBA, which totals finished space and interior common areas measured from the exterior.
Real-World Application
An appraiser has a single-family assignment one day and a fourplex the next. For the house, the appraiser measures and reports areas under ANSI; for the fourplex, the appraiser develops GBA from exterior measurements and leaves out the open exterior stairs.
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