Property ValuationIntermediateArizona Exam

In the sales comparison approach to appraisal, adjustments are made to the comparable properties (not the subject) because:

ALenders require adjustments to comparables because underwriting guidelines prohibit appraisers from making manufactured adjustments directly to the subject value
BThe subject property's value is the benchmark—adjustments to comparables show what each comparable would have sold for if it had the same features as the subjectCorrect
CIn declining markets, adjustments flow from the subject to comparables, reversing direction to prevent appraisers from inflating subject values above market evidence
DUSPAP Standard 1 requires all adjustments to flow from comparables to the subject grid, prohibiting any adjustments to the subject property value itself

Why The subject property's value is the benchmark—adjustments to comparables show what each comparable would have sold for if it had the same features as the subject Is Correct

Answer B: The subject property's value is the benchmark—adjustments to comparables show what each comparable would have sold for if it had the same features as the subject

In the sales comparison approach, the subject property is the property being valued, so it's the standard of comparison. Adjustments are made to the comparables to account for differences: if a comparable is inferior to the subject in some way, its price is adjusted upward (and vice versa).

Exam Tip: Property Valuation

Valuation questions focus on the three approaches to value: sales comparison, cost, and income. Know which approach is best for which property type. The income approach uses cap rate and NOI — memorize these formulas.

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