Comparable Sales in Declining Markets
Appraisal Institute Helps Appraisers Choose Comparable Sales in Declining Markets The nation’s largest professional association of real estate appraisers published guidance to help appraisers know when and how to use distressed sales, such as foreclosures, as comparable sales. Such knowledge is particularly crucial in the current market where distressed sales are common, creating complex valuation challenges. The Appraisal Institute noted that appraisers often use comparable sales (or “comps”) to help develop an opinion of value. But in today’s distressed real estate market, many potential comparable sales represent foreclosed properties. Some owners have complained their home’s values have fallen because appraisers...
