In two similar assignments, appraiser Heather Mills writes extensive comments labeling one area a "high-crime neighborhood" and ties that phrase to a lower value conclusion, even though she did not analyze crime statistics consistently across comparable assignments. What is the best appraisal compliance conclusion?
Correct Answer
A) The report may violate appraisal standards by using crime as a proxy or pretext for a protected characteristic
Current appraisal guidance treats unsupported references to crime and similar coded language as serious compliance concerns. Such language may signal the use of race or another protected characteristic as a proxy or pretext, and Fannie Mae separately lists crime references as unacceptable appraisal practice.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Deep Analysis of This Valuation Market Analysis Question
Background Knowledge for Valuation Market Analysis
Real World Application in Valuation Market Analysis
Common Mistakes to Avoid on Valuation Market Analysis Questions
Related Topics & Key Terms
Key Terms:
Related Concepts
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.
Depreciation is an accounting method of allocating the cost of an asset over its useful life, allowing investors to deduct a portion of the asset's cost each year.
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:
People Also Study
Buyer Representation Agreement
8% of exam
Property Ownership
10% of exam
Land Use Controls and Regulations
8% of exam
Valuation and Market Analysis
10% 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.
Previous Question
A lender first orders an appraisal on a mixed-use building with retail space and apartments, then asks about a later assignment involving industrial land. Which credential clearly has authority to appraise all types of real property under AQB minimum classifications?
Next Question
A lender assigns an appraiser who has never worked in the subject market and does not have access to local data sources. The lender says the appraiser can learn as they go because the fee is low and the turn time is fast. For a Fannie Mae mortgage assignment, what is the best response?