Property Description Flashcards
7 cards from real RAA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Property Description flashcards as text
Which foundation type is most commonly found in warm climates with stable soil conditions and is built directly on a concrete slab poured at grade?
Answer: Slab-on-grade foundation
Slab-on-grade foundations are poured directly on the ground and are common in warm climates where frost depth is not a concern.
In residential appraisal, 'gross living area' (GLA) typically excludes which of the following?
Answer: Finished basement rooms
Finished basement space is generally excluded from GLA because it is below grade, regardless of how well it is finished.
An appraiser notes a property has a 'hip roof.' How does a hip roof differ from a gable roof?
Answer: Hip roofs slope on all four sides; gable roofs have two sloping sides and two vertical ends
A hip roof slopes downward on all four sides to the walls, while a gable roof has two sloping sides and two triangular vertical ends called gables.
When describing a property's 'topography,' an appraiser is referring to:
Answer: The shape, slope, and contour of the land
Topography refers to the physical characteristics of the land surface including its slope, contour, elevation changes, and shape.
A property description notes 'T-111 siding.' What material is this?
Answer: Plywood or OSB panel siding with vertical grooves
T-111 (also written T1-11) is a plywood or OSB sheet siding product with vertical grooves that simulate board-and-batten or plank siding.
Which term describes a window style where the sash opens outward on a hinge at the side, like a door?
Answer: Casement window
A casement window is hinged at the side and swings outward to open, providing full ventilation of the opening.
In a property description, 'effective age' differs from 'actual age' because effective age reflects:
Answer: The condition and utility of the improvements relative to similar properties
Effective age reflects how old a property appears based on its condition, maintenance, and updates, which may be less or more than its actual chronological age.