Sales Comparison Approach Section of the Appraisal

Overview

The sales comparison approach to value is an analysis of comparable sales, contract sales, and listings of properties that are the most comparable to the subject property.

The appraiser’s analysis of a property must take into consideration all factors that have an effect on value. The appraiser must analyze all closed sales, contract sales, and offerings or listings of properties that are the most comparable to the subject property in order to identify any significant differences or elements of comparison that could affect their opinion of value for the subject property as of the effective date of the appraisal report. This is particularly important in changing (increasing or declining values) markets. Analyzing closed sales, contract sales, and offerings or listings is an important analysis in any market and will result in more accurate reporting on market conditions, including trends that indicate that sale prices for contract sales and asking prices for recent offerings or listings have changed. (Also see Neighborhood Section of the Appraisal Report, for information regarding Trend of Neighborhood Property Values, Demand/Supply, and Marketing Time.)