Which statement best describes gross adjustments?

• A. They are calculated by summing the absolute values of all adjustments
• B. They are the algebraic sum of positive and negative adjustments
• C. They must always be zero
• D. They relate only to financing terms

Answer: (A)

Gross adjustments reflect the total size of all adjustments in dollars, regardless of direction. In the Sales Comparison Approach, each difference between the subject and a comparable property is converted into a value change that can be positive (adds value) or negative (subtracts value). To find gross adjustments, you take the absolute value of each adjustment and sum them. This shows how large the overall adjustments are, without regard to whether they increase or decrease value.

For example, if you have adjustments of +5,000, -3,000, and +2,000, the gross adjustments would be 5,000 + 3,000 + 2,000 = 10,000, while the net adjustment (algebraic sum) would be 5,000 - 3,000 + 2,000 = 4,000. Gross adjustments are not limited to financing terms; they encompass all applicable adjustments like location, physical characteristics, and market conditions.