Chapter 4: highest and best use Flashcards
“The reasonably probable and legal use of vacant land or an improved property that is physically possible, appropriately supported, and financially feasible and that results in the highest value
Highest and best use
Is an opinion of highest and best use required in an appraisal that is NOT based on market value?
Yes, it is required in all appraisals
No, but it still may be necessary for credible assignment results
No, it is never required in non-market value appraisal assignments
No, but it may still be necessary for credible assignment results
How are existing improvements valued in a market value appraisal assignment?
based on their cost
using sales comparison
based on an extraordinary assumption
based on their contributory value to the land
based on their contributory value to the land
all of these statements concerning Fannie Mae’s position on highest and best use is true, except for
If the use of comparable sales demonstrates that the improvements are reasonably typical and compatible with market demand for the neighborhood, and the present improvements contribute to the value of the subject property so that its value is greater than the estimated vacant site value, the appraiser should consider the existing use as reasonable and report it as the highest and best use.
If the current improvements clearly do not represent the highest and best use of the site as an improved site, the appraiser should stop and not complete the appraisal report.
Fannie Mae will only purchase or securitize a mortgage that represents the highest and best use of the site as improved.
The appraiser’s highest and best use analysis of the subject property should consider the property as it is improved.
If the current improvements clearly do not represent the highest and best use of the site as an improved site, the appraiser should stop and not complete the appraisal report.
It is a requirement to develop an opinion of the highest and best use of a property:
in eminent domain appraisal assignments only
if the property has improvements
if the property has not had improvements
in market value appraisal assignments
in market value appraisal assignments
The market value of the land is always determined based on: its current use its highest and best use the Sales Comparison Approach a current date
the highest and best use
The two types of highest and best use analysis are:
as vacant and as improved
as is and subject to proposed improvements
illegal and legal
complete and limited
as vacant and as improved
The first step in developing an opinion of highest and best use for the land is to determine the value of the land as if it is
vacant
When testing for highest and best use, which two criteria (or tests) are applied first?
physically possible and financially feasible
legally permissible and physically possible
legally permissible and financially feasible
financially feasible and maximally productive
legally permissible and physically possible
A single-family homesite is worth $40,000. The owner plans to build a 4,000 square foot home on it, at a cost of $600,000. When it is completed, the property will be worth $620,000. Which statement is TRUE regarding the proposed 4,000 square foot home? It is not physically possible It is not legally permissible It is not financially feasible It is financially feasible
it is not financially feasible
Which highest and best use criterion would require an appraiser to consider the need for the land use, or how many similarly-used land areas are in the market area? physically possible legally permissible financially feasible maximally possible
financially feasible
Which highest and best use criterion would require an appraiser to consider the availability of public utilities to a site? physically possible legally permissible financially feasible maximally productive
physically possible
An appraiser is analyzing a parcel of vacant land, on a back road in a rural area. The owner tells the appraiser he plans to build a fast-food restaurant on the land. There is no zoning, and no other significant land use restrictions. The appraiser determines the highest and best use is NOT to build a fast food restaurant. What is the most likely reason for this conclusion? it is not physically possible it is not legally permissible it is not financially feasible none of the above
it is not financially feasible
Which highest and best use criterion would require an appraiser to consider the shape of the site? physically possible legally permissible financially feasible maximally productive
physically possible
Which highest and best use criterion would require an appraiser to consider excavation or filling that may be required in order for a site to accommodate an improvement? physically possible legally permissible financially feasible maximally productive
physically possible
In highest and best use analysis, how do we determine maximum productivity?
the use that results in the highest property tax
the use that results in the highest land value
the use that is the most acceptable to local residents
the use that is acceptable to the local zoning board
the use that results in the highest land value
Only those uses which produce a positive return are considered \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_. physically possible legally permissible financially feasible socially acceptable
financially feasible
If the improvements have a negative value, an appraiser must consider \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ in the feasibility analysis. published cost manuals demolition cost loss of income reproduction cost
demolition cost
Which highest and best use criterion would require an appraiser to consider minimum lot sizes and height restrictions imposed by a local municipality? physically possible legally permissible financially feasible maximally productive
legally permissible
Which highest and best use criterion would require an appraiser to consider the need for the land use, or how many similarly-used land areas are in the market area? physically possible legally permissible financially feasible maximally possible
financially feasible
Which highest and best use criterion would require an appraiser to consider private deed restrictions? physically possible legally permissible financially feasible maximally productive
legally permissible
Who would be the most likely purchaser for a multi-use property?
a speculator who converts the property to a single use
a residential owner-occupant
an investor
any of these
investor
Land that is larger than typical for the area, larger than what is required for the subject's use, and is capable of being sold for a separate use is: excess land surplus land non-conforming land interim land
excess land
What often happens when a special purpose property, like a school, is abandoned? its useful life has ended it is demolished it becomes an illegal use it will be put to an alternative use
it will be put to an alternative use
A parcel of vacant land is located in a blighted area where there is no demand for land. Which statement is TRUE?
Vacant property has no highest and best use.
The highest and best use may be to remain vacant.
The highest and best use of a property requires improvement with some type of building or structure.
If the appraiser looks hard enough at the market, he/she will find that there is a demand for land.
highest and best use may be to remain vacant
A sports arena with restaurants and retail shops on the lower level would best be described as what type of property? non-conforming use interim use multiple use property illegal use
a multi use property
"A use that is lawfully established and maintained, but no longer conforms to the use regulations of the zone in which it is located" is the definition of what term? Highest and best use Interim use Illegal use Legally nonconforming use
legally non conforming
A single-family residence is located in a commercially-zoned area. Residential sale prices in the area range from $80-90 per square foot. The residence could be converted to offices at a cost of $25 per square foot. Office space in this area is selling at $90-100 per square foot. What is the highest and best use of this property?
convert the residence into offices
raze the residence and build a new office
continue use as a single-family home
determine what the owner wants to do with the property
continue use as a single family home
A property is currently zoned for agricultural use, but its highest and best use is expected to change to commercial use within the next 3-5 years. The subject property's current use is considered: special purpose interim use illegal use legal, non-conforming use
interim use
A single-family home is situated on a commercially-zoned lot. It would not be financially feasible to convert the home to commercial use, because there is not enough demand for commercial properties at this time. Demand for industrial property is very strong; however, a zoning change is unlikely. Demand for commercial properties is expected to increase as the community grows. What is the ultimate highest and best use for this property? Industrial use Commercial use Recreational use Not enough information has been provided
commercial use
A residential dwelling which is a legal nonconforming use in a commercial area would be considered: under-improvement over-improvement illegal use mixed use
under improvement
Land that is larger than typical for the area, but cannot be separated and used effectively and is not capable of a separate use, is: excess land surplus land non-conforming land interim land
surplus land
A property has two acres, in an area where one-acre lots are common. There is a home built on the property at one corner. The property is situated in such a way that one acre could be sold off and developed without affecting the existing homesite. This would be considered \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ situation. a surplus land an excess land an interim use a non-conforming land
excess land
A commercial building which is a legal nonconforming use in a residential neighborhood would be considered: under-improvement over-improvement illegal use none of the above
over improvement
Which of these would be considered special purpose properties? fire stations school buildings places of worship any of these
any of these
A single-family home is situated on a commercially-zoned lot. It would not be financially feasible to convert the home to commercial use, because there is not enough demand for commercial properties at this time. However, demand is expected to increase as the community grows. Which statement is TRUE regarding this situation?
The home should be razed.
The highest and best use of the property is mixed residential and commercial use.
Single-family use is an interim use.
Commercial use is the highest and best use.
single family use is an interim use
A single-family residence is located in a commercially-zoned area. Residential sale prices in the area range from $100-110 per square foot. The residence could be converted to offices at a cost of $20 per square foot. Office space in this area is selling at $135-150 per square foot. What is the highest and best use of this property?
convert the residence into offices
raze the residence and build a new office
continue use as a single-family home
determine what the owner wants to do with the property
convert the residences into offices
Land that is larger than typical for the area, but cannot be separated and used effectively and is not capable of a separate use, is: excess land surplus land non-conforming land interim land
surplus land
- not large enough to satisfy zoning requirements
- no adequate access
- cannot be separated and used effectively
A property has one acre, in an area where half-acre lots are common. There is a single-family home located at one end of the property, and is situated in such a way that a half-acre site could be sold off and developed without affecting the existing homesite. Which statement best describes this situation?
The subject property is an interim use.
The subject property is a legal non-conforming property.
This is a surplus land situation.
This is an excess land situation.
an excess land situation
An appraiser's highest and best use conclusion is always: a fact an opinion an assumption an educated guess
an opinion
A single-family residence is located in a commercially-zoned area. Residential sale prices in the area range from $100-110 per square foot. The residence could be converted to offices at a cost of $20 per square foot. Office space in this area is selling at $135-150 per square foot. What is the highest and best use of this property?
convert the residence into offices
raze the residence and build a new office
continue use as a single-family home
determine what the owner wants to do with the property
convert the residence into offices
It would be financially feasible and maximally productive to spend $20 per square foot converting the home into offices, with a return of at least $25, and possibly $50. There is no evidence that razing an existing improvement that is worth $100-110 per square foot is financially feasible either. The owner’s individual plans and goals have no bearing on the highest and best use.
