Which of the following characteristics should an appraiser NOT base their opinion of value on?

Which of the following characteristics should an appraiser NOT base their opinion of value on?

• A. Property location
• B. Size of the property
• C. Client's marital status
• D. Year of construction

Answer: (C)

An appraiser's opinion of value should be based on objective and relevant characteristics of the property that directly influence its market value. Characteristics like property location, size, and year of construction are critical components that help determine a property's market price. Property location affects demand and desirability; size influences functionality and potential use; and the year of construction can provide insights into the property’s condition, age, and potentially relevant features or materials used. In contrast, a client's marital status is not a factor that should impact an appraiser's assessment of a property's value. Marital status does not influence the property’s market characteristics or its comparability with other properties in the market. Therefore, it does not have a direct correlation to how the property should be valued in a professional context. Focusing on the personal circumstances of the client undermines the objective nature of the appraisal process and could lead to biased or unverifiable results.

An appraiser's opinion of value should be based on objective and relevant characteristics of the property that directly influence its market value. Characteristics like property location, size, and year of construction are critical components that help determine a property's market price. Property location affects demand and desirability; size influences functionality and potential use; and the year of construction can provide insights into the property’s condition, age, and potentially relevant features or materials used.

In contrast, a client's marital status is not a factor that should impact an appraiser's assessment of a property's value. Marital status does not influence the property’s market characteristics or its comparability with other properties in the market. Therefore, it does not have a direct correlation to how the property should be valued in a professional context. Focusing on the personal circumstances of the client undermines the objective nature of the appraisal process and could lead to biased or unverifiable results.