When the subject is a unique property with no local comparables, the appraiser may:
Correct Answer
C) Expand the search geographically and adjust for location
Why this is correct: When no local comparables exist, the appraiser can expand the geographic search and make a supported adjustment for location differences. This is a legitimate application of the sales comparison approach. Why the other choices are wrong: Using the assessed value as the sole indication is not a proper appraisal method. Concluding the property cannot be appraised is rarely acceptable; the appraiser must seek alternative methods. Applying the previous owner's purchase price is not a market-based approach if it's not a current, arms-length transaction. Exam tip: When local data is scarce, expand the search and support the location adjustment.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
Why this is correct: When no local comparables exist, the appraiser can expand the geographic search and make a supported adjustment for location differences. This is a legitimate application of the sales comparison approach. Why the other choices are wrong: Using the assessed value as the sole indication is not a proper appraisal method. Concluding the property cannot be appraised is rarely acceptable; the appraiser must seek alternative methods. Applying the previous owner's purchase price is not a market-based approach if it's not a current, arms-length transaction. Exam tip: When local data is scarce, expand the search and support the location adjustment.
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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An appraiser performs paired sales analysis for HVAC systems and identifies three valid pairs: (1) forced-air gas furnace vs. no central HVAC: $12,000 difference; (2) heat pump vs. no central HVAC: $14,500 difference; (3) forced-air gas furnace vs. heat pump: $2,200 difference. All pairs control for age, size, and location. Which conclusion is most directly supported by this paired data?
