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Defining, Fair, Average, Good

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Razor

Freshman Member
Joined
Aug 9, 2008
Professional Status
Certified Residential Appraiser
State
Idaho
I am looking for a good source for definitions of fair, average and good. I am going to measure a home tomarrow that I just drove by today and it is in what appears to be "fair" condition with respect to the paint and trim. I thought I had a guide but I cant seem to remember where. Everything in my market area that I have worked on in the past few years have been at least in average condition in my opinion. Any good sources to turn to when there is a question on condition or is just a professional opinion?

Please advise!

Razor
(childhood nickname)
 
I always define average as being typical of the market. Above that is good and excellent and below that is fair and poor. Don't know what others do, thats me.
 
appears to be "fair" condition with respect to the paint and trim

You are describing the condition of the improvements. Hopefully people will not confuse this with the quality rating of the construction of the improvements.

Marshall and Swift has the definitions of condition ratings in their cost manual on page E-6, Depreciation section.
 
Yes, I was going to add that as an after thought - I use Marshall Swift definitions of quality of construction for my cost approach
 
Good = My wife would live there
Average = I would, but not my wife
Fair = Looks like my frat house

Ain't scientific, but works for me.
 
Good = My wife would live there
Average = I would, but not my wife
Fair = Looks like my frat house

Ain't scientific, but works for me.

:rof: Perfect! :beer:
 
I wish that we could have more options, it can be frustrating in a higher end market.
 
Defining the subject as good, avg. or fair should be determined relative to the neighborhood you are appraising. If most other homes have chipped and peeling paint, its average relative to the neighborhood.
 
Excellent Condition - All items that can normally be repaired or refinished have recently been corrected, such as new roofing, paint, furance overhaul, state of the art components, etc. With no functional inadequacies of any consequence and all major short-lived components in like-new condition, the overall effective age has been substantially reduced upon complete revitilization of the structure regardless of the actual chronological age.

Very Good Condition - All items well maintained, many having been overhauled and repaired as they've showed signs of wear, increasing the life expectancy and lowering the effective age with little deterioration or obsolesence evident with a high degree of utility.

Good Condition - No obvious maintenance required but neither is everything new. Appearance and utility are above the standard and the overall effective age will be lower than the typical property.

Average condition: Some evidence of deferred maintenance and normal obsolescence with age in that a few minor repairs are needed along with some refinishing. But with all major components still functional and contributing toward an extended life expectancy, effective age and utility is standard for like properties of its class and usage.

Fair condition (Badly worn) - Much repair needed. Many items need refinishing or overhauling, deferred maintenance obvious, inadequate building utility and services all shortening the life expectancy and increasing the effective age.


Poor Condition (Worn Out) - Repair and overall needed on painted surfaces, roofing, plumbing, heating, numerous functional inadequacies, substandard utilities etc. (found only in extraordinary circumstances). Excessive deferred maintenance and abuse, limited value-in-use, approaching abandonment or major reconstruction, reuse or change in occupancy is imminent. Effective age is near the end of the scale regardless of the actual chronological age.
 
I always define average as being typical of the market. Above that is good and excellent and below that is fair and poor. Don't know what others do, thats me.

Attached is a a property in average condition per your method.
 

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