Maine Property Valuation
Practice Questions & Answers (2026)
Property valuation questions on the Maine exam test the three approaches to value (sales comparison, cost, and income), how appraisals work, and what affects market value. The Maine Real Estate Commission tests when each approach is most appropriate, how adjustments are made in the sales comparison approach, and what factors an appraiser considers vs. ignores. Maine candidates often struggle with income approach calculations — particularly gross rent multiplier (GRM) and net operating income (NOI) — and with the cost approach depreciation calculations. These are high-difficulty math and concept questions where careful study of the explanations pays off significantly on exam day.
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Maine Property Valuation — Practice Questions & Answers
111 questions on Property Valuation from the Maine real estate question bank. First 10 are free — sign up to unlock all 111.
Q1. In real estate appraisal, a 'comparable sale' (comp) used in the sales comparison approach should be:
Explanation
A comparable sale should be a similar property that sold recently (usually within 6–12 months) in the same market area, adjusted for differences with the subject property.
Q2. The principle of 'regression' in real estate valuation states that:
Explanation
The principle of regression states that a higher-value property located among lower-value properties will tend to have its value pulled down toward the lower values.
Q3. Which of the following is NOT a factor that affects real property value?
Explanation
The original purchase price paid by the current owner does not determine current market value. Value is determined by current market forces: location, condition, economic conditions, and supply/demand.
Q4. The net operating income (NOI) of a property is calculated as:
Explanation
NOI = Gross potential income − Vacancy/collection losses − Operating expenses. Mortgage payments (debt service) are NOT included in NOI.
Q5. The sales comparison approach to value is MOST appropriate for appraising:
Explanation
The sales comparison approach is most appropriate for single-family residential properties because there are usually sufficient recent comparable sales to provide meaningful market data.
Q6. In Maine real estate appraisal, 'market value' is best defined as:
Explanation
Market value is the most probable price a property will bring in a competitive and open market, assuming all conditions of a fair sale are present and both buyer and seller act prudently.
Q7. A Maine appraisal uses the income capitalization approach. A property generates $36,000 net operating income annually. Using a 6% cap rate, the indicated value is:
Explanation
Value = NOI / Cap Rate = $36,000 / 0.06 = $600,000.
Q8. In the cost approach to appraisal, 'depreciation' refers to:
Explanation
In appraisal, depreciation is any loss in value of the improvements (building) from physical deterioration, functional obsolescence, or external (economic) obsolescence.
Q9. A Maine appraiser uses three comparable sales to estimate value. The comparables show adjusted values of $285,000, $292,000, and $288,000. What is the simple average value indication?
Explanation
Simple average = ($285,000 + $292,000 + $288,000) / 3 = $865,000 / 3 = $288,333.
Q10. In Maine, 'functional obsolescence' in a property is best described as:
Explanation
Functional obsolescence is a loss in value caused by deficiencies or superadequacies in the property itself compared to current market standards, such as an outdated floor plan or inadequate electrical service.
Q11. A Maine vacant lot sold for $80,000. A similar lot with a lake view recently sold for $110,000. The appraiser would make what adjustment for the lake view?
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