A Michigan property owner receives a notice showing three values: true cash value of $320,000, State Equalized Value (SEV) of $160,000, and taxable value of $118,000. The owner has lived in the home for 12 years. Which statement best explains why the taxable value is lower than the SEV?
Correct Answer
C) Under Proposal A, taxable value increases are capped annually, so long-term ownership creates a gap between taxable value and SEV
Michigan's Proposal A (MCL 211.27a) caps annual taxable value increases at the lesser of 5% or CPI. Over 12 years of ownership, these capped increases have caused the taxable value to grow much more slowly than the SEV, which tracks market value. This divergence between taxable value and SEV is a normal and expected result of long-term ownership under Proposal A, and it represents one of the primary tax benefits for long-term Michigan homeowners.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Deep Analysis of This Valuation Question
Background Knowledge for Valuation
Real World Application in Valuation
Common Mistakes to Avoid on Valuation Questions
Related Topics & Key Terms
Key Terms:
Related Concepts
Many states have laws to limit how much property taxes can increase each year, regardless of market value fluctuations.
Various programs and exemptions exist to reduce the property tax burden for specific groups, such as seniors, homesteaders, or veterans.
A transfer tax is a tax imposed on the transfer of ownership of real estate.
More Valuation Questions
In Utah, property taxes are collected by which governmental entity?
In Utah, how is a primary residence assessed for property tax purposes under the residential exemption?
Which of the following best describes how Utah's rapid population growth, driven partly by Silicon Slopes tech expansion, has affected housing affordability?
When appraising a property in Utah's Wasatch Front, which environmental hazard would an appraiser need to consider that is less common in most other states?
The rapid growth of the 'Silicon Slopes' tech corridor in Utah has most directly affected real estate in which area?
- → The income approach to appraisal is most commonly used for which type of property?
- → Which formula correctly calculates the capitalization rate?
- → External obsolescence in Oklahoma:
- → The sales comparison approach to appraisal is most appropriate for which type of property?
- → Which of the following correctly lists the three types of depreciation recognized in real estate appraisal?
- → The sales comparison approach to appraisal is most commonly used for which type of property?
- → Which four tests must a use satisfy to qualify as the highest and best use of a property?
- → Three depreciation:
- → Cap rate:
- → Which formula best represents the cost approach to appraisal?
People Also Study
Buyer Representation Agreement
8% of exam
Property Ownership
10% of exam
Land Use Controls and Regulations
8% of exam
Financing
12% of exam
Related Articles
Appraisal & Valuation for the Real Estate Exam (2026): CMA, Comps, Cap Rate + Examples
Learn the three approaches to value, CMA basics, and cap rate questions with examples and practice.
How to Study Real Estate Valuation Questions Without Mixing Price and Value
A topic that feels clear in notes can still fail in practice if recall has not caught up with recognition. If you are searching for study real estate...
How to Study Real Estate Finance Topics Without Letting Loan and Valuation Terms Blur Together
Use a cleaner study system for real estate finance topics so loan terms, valuation language, and formulas stop blending together.