What is the first adjustment made in the sales comparison approach?

In the sales comparison approach, the initial adjustment made is typically for market conditions, specifically the time of sale. Adjusting for market conditions is crucial because real estate markets can fluctuate over time. Changes in the economic environment, such as interest rates, local market demand, or even seasonality, can significantly affect property values. By accounting for these conditions, appraisers ensure that they are comparing properties that reflect similar market dynamics, allowing for a more accurate comparison.

While financing can certainly affect a transaction—such as whether the buyer secured favorable financing terms compared to similar sales—this adjustment usually comes after considering the overall market conditions. Other factors like location and physical characteristics come later in the adjustment process as appraisers refine their comparisons based on specific attributes of the properties being evaluated. Thus, recognizing the significance of market conditions initially helps establish a solid foundation for making further adjustments in the sales comparison approach.