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17 votes
17 votes
Andrew is deciding whether to remain in the home he has lived in for the past ten years, which is located very near his work, or to move into a newer home that is located in the suburbs farther from his job. The old house was purchased for $160,000 and has a market value of $220,000. The new home can be purchased for $285,000. Which of the following is not relevant to Andrew's decision?

a. Driving distance to work
b. Cost of the old house
c. Market value of the old house
d. Cost of the new house

User Sydius
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2 Answers

22 votes
22 votes

Final answer:

The cost of the old house is not relevant to Andrew's decision to move because it is a sunk cost and does not affect the current situation. What matters are the market value of the old house, the cost of the new house, and the driving distance to work.

Step-by-step explanation:

When Andrew is considering whether to stay in his current home or to move to a new one, he should be evaluating factors that are directly related to the costs and benefits of the current and potential new homes. The driving distance to work is relevant because it affects daily commuting costs and quality of life. The market value of the old house is important as it impacts the amount of money Andrew can get from selling it to finance the purchase of the new house. The cost of the new house is obviously critical as it is an expenditure Andrew will need to plan for. However, the cost of the old house (what Andrew originally paid for it) is not directly relevant to the decision he is currently making, because it is a sunk cost and does not affect the present value or the future costs associated with moving.

User STRML
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11 votes
11 votes

Answer:

The decision that is not relevant to Andrew is:

b. Cost of the old house.

Step-by-step explanation:

a) The cost of the old house ($160,000) is not relevant to Andrew decision challenges. It is a sunk or past cost. Past costs are not relevant because they do not make a difference in the decision or the alternative to choose. Since Andrew will be impacted by the driving distance to work from his new house, the market value of the old house, and the cost of the new house, these are relevant in Andrew's decision.

User Anton VBR
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3.1k points