Using diverse comps in valuations: what is its effect on fairness?

• A. Using diverse comps means ignoring actual market data.
• B. It is optional and rarely beneficial.
• C. It increases fairness by reflecting different market segments and reduces reliance on any single demographic group.
• D. It complicates the analysis unnecessarily.

Answer: (C)

Using diverse comps broadens the evidence base for value by capturing variations across neighborhoods, property types, and price ranges. This approach shows how buyers value different features in different market segments and reduces the risk that a valuation is biased toward one demographic or market niche. As a result, the final value reflects typical market activity across relevant segments, aligning with fair housing principles that pricing should be driven by market factors rather than protected characteristics. Therefore, using diverse comps increases fairness by reflecting different market segments and reducing reliance on any single demographic group. The other statements miss the mark: market data remains central, but you broaden it rather than ignore it; this practice isn’t merely optional or rarely beneficial, and while it adds some work, it improves accuracy and compliance rather than complicating things unnecessarily.