Definition of "Book value"

Book value is a quintessential term used in the financial world and the real estate business. Though, there are slight differences in its interpretation in these two areas of expertise.

Book value in finance

You’ll find the most common use of the term ‘book value’ in insurance. Generally, specialists calculate book value based on depreciable property assets. Depreciable personal properties and goods have long-term value, such as buildings, equipment, and furniture. Accountants would call a firm’s assets book values from inventory, stocks, and even markers and staples employees use.

Typically, more lasting assets, for instance, money and real estate, don’t need to be considered when estimating the book value. These are not susceptible to devaluation.

Book value in real estate

Let’s suppose you once purchased a property. In this case, the book value coincides with the real estate’s original price. Now, if you wish to sell it, its value may have changed in the meantime. So, the resale value depends on your area’s current real estate trends. You won’t find its current value until you sell it or have a home appraisal

Book value vs. market value

In other words, book value defines a property’s net worth as shown on the balance sheet or statement of net worth until the final sale takes place. Besides, a real estate’s book value equals the gross cost less accumulated depreciation. Let’s remind you: the book value has been established based on a property’s historical worth, and it differs from its actual market value! What house buyers are willing to pay determines your home’s market value in the present.

Turn to an expert!

To find out more about your house’s book value, you can turn to an appraiser to provide you with a home appraisal. Also, contact a real estate agent to obtain an expert’s advice. They will offer you a recommendation on a private property’s value. Thus, you can discover whether it’s worth renting, buying, or selling a place under the current housing market circumstances!

image of a real estate dictionary page

Have a question or comment?

We're here to help.

*** Your email address will remain confidential.
 

 

Popular Real Estate Terms

Loans that adhere to national guidelines by Fannie Mae, who buy the loans on the secondary market. Fannie Mae purchases mortgages to a certain dollar limit. Conforming loans typically ...

To secure a listing by a real estate agent for a certain parcel of property. For example, a real estate broker wishes to list as many properties a possible to built an inventory of future ...

Arrears is a legal and financial term used to describe payments in regards to their due dates. While the term is more often used to refer to a contractual obligation or liability that was ...

Periodic expenditures undertaken to preserve or retain a property's operational status for its originally intended use. These expenditures do not improve or extend the life of the property. ...

The term “property title” is relatively common and often used in the real estate industry, which is why it’s useful to know what it really means. While the term itself is ...

A lease having two or more joint lessees who share a common liability with a lessor. Under a joint and several liable lease the lessor may demand the full terms of the lease from one or all ...

Term used in the real estate industry describing the price requested by a property owner vs. the price a buyer is willing to pay. Bid is the highest price a purchaser is willing to pay ...

Real estate property incentive offered for reasons other than individual merit. A discriminatory inducement is an effort to get an individual to buy or sell, rent, or lease real estate ...

When you sign a Listing Agreement with a real estate broker or agent, he or she has a fiduciary responsibility to represent your interests exclusively. However, should another client ...

Popular Real Estate Questions