What aspect of a residential structure is Sam assessing?

The correct answer highlights that Sam is assessing the remaining economic life of a residential structure, which refers to the duration over which the property is expected to provide a return on investment. This evaluation is important because it helps determine how long the property can be expected to remain usable and valuable before requiring significant repairs or becoming obsolete in the market.

Assessing the remaining economic life involves examining factors such as the age of the property, the quality of construction materials, architectural style, and current market trends. By understanding how much lifespan the structure has left, Sam can make informed decisions regarding potential investments, renovations, or pricing strategies.

In contrast, while other options such as current market value, physical condition, and potential resale value may overlap with the assessment of economic life, they each focus on different elements. Current market value deals with the property's immediate worth, physical condition refers to structural integrity and maintenance needs, and potential resale value centers on future market trends. All these aspects contribute to the overall evaluation of a property but do not specifically address how long it can generate economic benefit before it declines.