What are the three common appraisal approaches used to estimate market value?

• A. Sales comparison, cost, and income approaches.
• B. Cash flow, cap rate, and replacement cost.
• C. Market value, appraised value, and market rent.
• D. Hedonic pricing, regression analysis, and time-series forecasting.

Answer: (A)

In real estate appraisal, market value is estimated using three main approaches that reflect different ways value is demonstrated in the market. The sales comparison approach looks at recent sales of similar properties in the same area and adjusts for differences in features, condition, and timing. It mirrors what buyers actually pay in current market conditions. The cost approach asks what it would cost to reproduce the property today (or replace it) and then subtract depreciation for wear, plus add the land value. This is especially useful for unique properties or when comparables are limited, providing a grounded floor value. The income approach focuses on the property’s ability to generate income. For investment properties, you estimate net operating income and convert that into value through capitalization or discounted cash flow, reflecting what an investor would pay for the expected income stream.

Appraisers often triangulate among these approaches to arrive at a balanced market value estimate, with the weight given to each depending on property type and data availability. Other options mix up concepts: cash flow and cap rate are parts of the income approach, replacement cost is part of the cost approach, and terms like market value or market rent are valuations, not the three standard methods. Hedonic pricing, regression analysis, and time-series forecasting are analytical tools, not the established appraisal approaches.