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Property ValuationCost ApproachONMEDIUM

A property appraiser is using the cost approach and determines that a building would cost $400,000 to rebuild today, but estimates $80,000 in depreciation. If the land value is $200,000, what is the indicated value using this approach?

Correct Answer

B) $520,000

Using the cost approach, the indicated value equals the land value plus the depreciated building value. The calculation is: $200,000 (land) + $400,000 (replacement cost) - $80,000 (depreciation) = $520,000.

Answer Options
A
$600,000
B
$520,000
C
$480,000
D
$320,000

Why This Is the Correct Answer

The cost approach formula is Land Value + (Replacement Cost New - Depreciation) = Property Value. Here: $200,000 (land) + ($400,000 - $80,000) = $200,000 + $320,000 = $520,000. This approach estimates value by determining what it would cost to replace the property today, minus any loss in value due to depreciation, plus the land value.

Why the Other Options Are Wrong

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Key Terms

cost approachreplacement costdepreciationland valueappraisal methods
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