During a July 2026 inspection, Appraiser Ben sees a dwelling where one bedroom can be reached only by walking through another bedroom. Which form of depreciation does that design problem most clearly illustrate?
Correct Answer
C) Functional obsolescence from an inferior layout or utility
An inferior floor plan is a problem with the improvement’s design and utility, not with its physical condition. That makes it functional obsolescence, because the layout reduces usefulness or buyer appeal compared with more typical designs.
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Related Topics & Key Terms
Key Terms:
Related Concepts
Reconciliation is the final step in the appraisal process where the appraiser analyzes the value indications from all applicable approaches and arrives at a single final opinion of value. It is not a simple average of the three values.
The comparable sales approach estimates a property's value by comparing it to similar properties that have recently sold in the same market area. It is the most widely used and reliable approach for appraising residential properties.
The cost approach estimates a property's value by calculating the current cost to rebuild the improvements, subtracting accumulated depreciation, and adding the land value. It is most reliable for new construction and special-purpose properties.
More Valuation Market Analysis Questions
A buyer in Rochester is pre-approved for a conventional mortgage and wants to purchase a co-op apartment. What should the buyer's agent explain about financing a co-op purchase in New York?
A parcel is in a desirable retail corridor and buyers want it, but an unresolved title defect and missing legal access make it hard to close. Which element of value is most directly impaired?
When appraising co-op apartments in New York, all of the following factors must be considered due to their unique ownership structure EXCEPT:
A first-time buyer in New York City asks their agent about the difference between owning a co-op versus a condo. What is the fundamental ownership difference the agent should explain?
An agent in Staten Island is explaining maintenance fees to a co-op buyer. The buyer asks what expenses are typically included in a co-op maintenance fee that differ from condo common charges. What should the agent explain?
- → An appraiser is using the income approach to value a 12-unit rental building in Brooklyn. The building generates $180,000 in annual gross rental income. Operating expenses total $54,000 annually. The appraiser determines that a 7.5% capitalization rate is appropriate for this type of property in this location. What is the indicated value using the income approach?
- → An example of functional obsolescence is:
- → The best method to determine fair market value is:
- → Who typically hires the appraiser in a real estate transaction?
- → A depth table is used to estimate property value for:
- → Under federal law, which type of loan typically does NOT require a property appraisal?
- → FIRREA (Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act) requires:
- → For appraising a vacant lot for single-family residence construction, which approach applies?
- → The final appraisal step of weighing different approaches is called:
- → For 1930s buildings, the cost approach is least accurate due to:
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Previous Question
In April 2026, Maria lists a well-maintained house. Two months later, a six-lane highway opens directly behind the property and increases noise for the entire block. In the cost approach, this loss is best classified as what?
Next Question
When Priya inspects a 12-year-old house in March 2026, she notes peeling interior paint and badly worn carpet in an otherwise sound dwelling. Which classification best fits these items in the cost approach?