Suppose That There Are Two Types of Houses for Sale

question 115

Multiple Choice

Suppose that there are two types of houses for sale: those with solid foundations and those with cracked foundations. In all other respects, the two types of houses are identical. Houses with solid foundations are worth $200,000, while those with cracked foundations are worth $200,000 minus the $20,000 to fix the crack, or $180,000. Sellers know which type of house they have, but buyers cannot detect whether the foundation has a crack. Suppose that 80 percent of the houses for sale have a solid foundation and 20 percent of the houses for sale have a cracked foundation. If some of the owners of houses with solid foundations remove their houses from the market because they can't sell their house for a price that is as high as the value of their house, then:

• A)buyers' reservation prices will rise.
• B)the owners of houses with a cracked foundation will also take their houses off the market.
• C)the proportion of homes for sale with a cracked foundation will rise.
• D)the average sales price of a house will rise.

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Definitions:

Economic Principle

A fundamental concept or guiding theory that forms the basis of economic analysis and decision-making.

Bond Price Changes

Variations in the market price of bonds, influenced by interest rate movements and other factors.

Interest Rate Changes

Modifications to the interest rates set by lenders or central banks, which can affect loan costs, savings rates, and monetary policy.

Industrialized Economy

An economy characterized by a significant level of industry activity, including manufacturing and services, leading to a higher standard of living and technological advancement.