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Real Estate Terminology of the Day: Effective Age

By
Real Estate Appraiser RD4378

Today's Real Estate Term is Effective Age.

  Effective Age is the age determined by the condition of the property based on the wear and tear sustained. Effective Age is not always the same as chronological age. Buildings do not always depreciate at the same rate depending on the maintenance of the owners and/or occupants.

  For example, a home that is 40 years old but has a new roof, new windows and had it's kitchen and bathroom updated could have an effective age of 10 to 15 years or less. Conversely a home that has been poorly maintained or neglected could have an effective age that is more than it's actual age.

  The process of estimating Effective Age is used by Real Estate appraisers when they appraise a home.

Real Estate Terminology provided by David Miller Realty.

Comments(2)

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Steve Loynd
Alpine Lakes Real Estate Inc., - Lincoln, NH
800-926-5653, White Mountains NH

David

I wish my local appraisers would take this into account when making an adjustment for a second home that is 10 years old vs. 2 years old. The level of use a ski house gets over 10 years is probably comparable to a two year old property (40 - 60 days / year) in most places owned by out of starters..Thanks for the thoughts

Steve

Apr 02, 2008 12:57 AM
Kathryn Tharp
Realtor - Rancho Cucamonga, CA
Rancho Cucamonga, Real Estate Specialist
We have a home listed that is less than 5 years old, but the owner's had 6 out of control kids.  This place looks like a war zone.  So the effective age is probably 40 years old.
Apr 02, 2008 01:01 AM