National Real Estate Exam (PSI)Valuation and Market AnalysisMedium

A buyer is interested in purchasing a property that is significantly larger and more luxurious than other homes in the immediate neighborhood. An appraiser conducting a valuation for this property would likely apply which principle of value due to the surrounding, less valuable homes?

  1. APrinciple of Supply and Demand
  2. BPrinciple of Regression
  3. CPrinciple of Progression
  4. DPrinciple of Conformity
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B. Principle of Regression

The principle of regression states that the value of a superior property will be adversely affected by the presence of surrounding, lesser-valued properties. This scenario describes a 'mansion in a modest neighborhood,' where the larger, more luxurious home's value is pulled down by the inferior homes around it.

Why the other options are wrong

  • A. Supply and demand is a general economic principle, not the specific effect described here.
  • C. Progression is the opposite; a lower-valued property's value is increased by higher-valued neighbors.
  • D. While related to neighborhood characteristics, conformity suggests maximum value when properties are similar, and regression is the specific application when a property deviates significantly on the superior side.

Principle of Regression

The principle of regression states that a higher-valued property will tend to decrease in value if it is located among properties of lesser value. The inferior properties 'pull down' the value of the superior property.

  • Often seen as the 'mansion in a modest neighborhood' effect.
  • One of the social forces influencing real estate value.
  • The opposite principle is progression.

Memory trick: Superior house among the lesser, its value regresses, less impressive.

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