Latest Real Estate Licensing Massachusetts-Real-Estate-Salesperson Practice Questions BY Roach

The cost approach to value is based on the principle of substitution, which states that a buyer will not pay more for a property than the cost to build a comparable one. In this method, the appraiser estimates the current cost of constructing the improvements using either the replacement cost (cost to build a similar building with modern materials and methods) or the reproduction cost (exact duplicate of the original).

The appraiser then subtracts depreciation (physical deterioration, functional obsolescence, or economic obsolescence) and adds the land value (determined separately). This approach is most often used for special-purpose properties (schools, churches, government buildings) where comparable sales are limited.

The other options are incorrect:

Assessed value (A) is for taxation, not appraisal.

Price per square foot (C) is a sales comparison method.

Location/financing (D) are factors but not a direct step in the cost approach.