Definition of "Fair market value"

The definition of Fair Market Value in the real estate business is the highest amount that could be received on the sale of a property when there are a willing buyer and a willing seller. But that seems kind of vague, right?

Let’s give Fair Market Value some context:

Truth is whenever a home seller says “I want to sell my house!”, both the home seller and the real estate agent wants to sell the property for the highest price they can, right? However, the home buyer, obviously, wants to buy the house for the lowest price he/she can. So, an “arm wrestling match” regarding the value of the property begins. At the end of that negotiation, when the home seller and the home buyer agree on a price, we have the Fair Market Value of that estate.

Things you should be on the lookout to define a precise Fair Market Value of a property:

- How is the market right now? Do a Comparative Market Analysis.

- Is the house in good conditions? Have a professional Appraisal of the property done.

- How much would it cost to build a new one just like yours? Try the Replacement Cost Approach.

RealEstateAgent.com ADVICE:

Now that you’ve done your homework regarding Fair Market Value the choice is yours: you can either access our Real Estate Agent Directory and search our amazing database for that trustworthy real estate agent that will help you make your house sell, or you can keep searching for other terms on our Real Estate Glossary box below. Good luck!

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

Law of the state establishing guidelines and requirements for constructing buildings. The standard may differ between the states. ...

Invests in rental property but does not manage that property. ...

People often bump into the question: "What is the statute of limitations?" So, let's shed light on the statute of limitation definition in simple words! A statute of limitations is like a ...

Giving one's approval to another, e.g., a fiduciary, to manage his or her finances. ...

Representation on a flat surface of any region that depicts the elevation of that region. ...

Financial statement with amounts or other information that are completely or partially assumed. The assumptions supporting the amounts are usually provided. The statement may be prepared in ...

People can use the term disclosure in ordinary day to day activities. The definition of disclosure is to expose yourself, to show the truth without omitting any important information. ...

Mortgage for an extended time period (e.g., 25 years) Type of real estate investment trust (REIT) that gives long-term mortgages to real estate developers and contractors on new or ...

An insect, such as a termite, that "eats into" the wood and destroys it. This can cause significant damage to the home. Most states have laws that require termite inspection and ...

Popular Real Estate Questions