A property's value decreased because a noisy highway was built nearby. This is an example of:
Audio Lesson
Duration: 2:49
Question & Answer
Review the question and all answer choices
Physical depreciation
Physical depreciation is incorrect because it refers to deterioration or wear and tear to the property itself, such as a cracked foundation or worn roof—not an external factor like a nearby highway.
Functional obsolescence
Functional obsolescence is incorrect because it occurs when a property's features become outdated or less desirable compared to modern standards, not due to external neighborhood changes.
Economic (external) obsolescence
Curable depreciation
Curable depreciation is incorrect because it refers to physical deterioration that can be economically repaired, which doesn't apply to an external factor like a highway.
Why is this correct?
Economic (external) obsolescence is correct because the highway is an external factor beyond the property owner's control that reduces the property's value. This type of depreciation affects the property due to external conditions rather than issues with the property itself.
Deep Analysis
AI-powered in-depth explanation of this concept
Understanding valuation concepts is crucial for real estate professionals as directly impacts property values, pricing strategies, and client advice. This question tests your ability to distinguish between different types of depreciation and obsolescence, which are fundamental in property valuation. The core concept here is identifying external factors affecting property value. The correct reasoning process involves: 1) Recognizing the value decrease is due to an external factor (highway), 2) Determining this factor is not inherent to the property, 3) Eliminating options that relate to property-specific issues. This question is challenging because the other options (physical depreciation, functional obsolescence, curable depreciation) may seem plausible at first glance. Understanding these concepts connects to broader knowledge of the three approaches to valuation (cost, sales comparison, income) and how appraisers account for various factors in determining market value.
Knowledge Background
Essential context and foundational knowledge
Economic obsolescence, also called external obsolescence, is one of the three types of depreciation that affect property value (alongside physical and functional). It occurs when external factors cause a loss in property value that cannot be reversed by the property owner. These factors include environmental changes, economic conditions, neighborhood changes, or public projects like highways. In appraisal, external obsolescence is typically considered in the cost approach to valuation and helps explain why similar properties may have different values based on location and external influences.
Think of economic obsolescence like a restaurant's value dropping when a new highway diverts traffic away from it. The restaurant itself hasn't changed, but external forces impact its earning potential.
When encountering questions about value loss, ask: 'Is the problem inside the property (physical/functional) or outside (economic)?'
When questions mention value changes due to external factors like highways, new developments, or neighborhood changes, look for 'economic' or 'external' obsolescence as the likely correct answer.
Real World Application
How this concept applies in actual real estate practice
As a listing agent, you're preparing to market a residential property near a recently expanded highway. You notice comparable properties without similar highway proximity are selling for 15-20% more. When advising your client on pricing strategy, you must account for this economic obsolescence. You'll need to document this external factor in the Comparative Market Analysis and potentially suggest marketing strategies that mitigate the impact, such as emphasizing soundproofing upgrades or the property's other amenities to help buyers understand the value proposition despite the highway location.
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