When using the comparison method, what does the appraiser adjust?

In the comparison method, also known as the sales comparison approach, the appraiser adjusts the price of the comparables. This method involves analyzing the sale prices of similar properties that have recently sold in the same area to determine the value of the subject property. Since no two properties are exactly alike, appraisers must make adjustments to the sale prices of the comparables to account for differences in features, location, or conditions that may affect value.

Adjustments are made to the comparable properties to reflect the differences between them and the subject property. For instance, if the subject property has a larger square footage than the comparable properties, the appraiser would adjust the price of the comparables upwards to account for this difference. This process ensures that the adjustments provide a more accurate reflection of the true market value of the subject property based on the most similar and relevant sales data.

The other options do not represent the main adjustment focus in the comparison method. Adjusting the assessed value of the subject property or the offered price does not align with the principles of this approach, as these steps would not provide a market-based valuation. Similarly, adjusting the size of the comparables directly is not how the comparison method operates; rather, size adjustments are applied through price adjustments based on