What is the first adjustment made when a comparable sale requires atypical financing?

The first adjustment made when a comparable sale requires atypical financing is based on changing market conditions. This adjustment acknowledges that financing terms can significantly influence the sale price of a property. When a comparable sale involves non-traditional financing methods—such as seller financing, below-market interest rates, or unusual loan structures—it's essential to consider how those terms differ from what is typically available in the market.

Changing market conditions reflect the broader economic environment and the prevalence of certain financing options at the time of sale. This context allows appraisers or assessors to ascertain how much the atypical financing may have impacted the sale price compared to more conventional financing situations. By making this adjustment first, it sets a foundation for further adjustments that may be made for other factors impacting the value of the property.

Other options involve adjustments for inflation or deflation, lump sum adjustments, or assessing differences in sale prices, but these considerations usually come later in the adjustment process after establishing a baseline through market condition adjustments. Understanding these dynamics is key for accurate property valuation.