Definition of "Market value"

When an Appraisal is done, its ultimate goal is to define a Market Value for that property. So, in short, market value is the value of a real estate property in a free competitive market.

Many variables are considered by the Appraiser when analyzing the monetary worth of a property. Supply and demand are the essential factors, but there are others - like structural condition and aesthetic features - that also weigh into the appraiser’s analysis. Sometimes, when a comparative analysis is not enough to assert a price to the house, an Appraiser would use the Replacement Cost and the Income Approach to better evaluate them.

Market Values are not set in stone. Here are three things that can affect it:

- Location, location location. It’s a real estate cliche, right? Because it’s true. A house that is completely identical to another (build-wise) can get sold at a much higher price just because it’s in a premier location.
- Plastic Surgery. You can improve the effective age of your house (and its value) by doing renovations and adding valuable assets to your house. A sauna could not only provide you a good time during the winter, but also bring the market value of your home up.
- Chance. If a trendy retailer sets shop across the street from you, your house may have a spike on its market value. But it could go the other way around too, if - for example - there’s a spike in criminal activity within your area.

The truth is that a comprehensive appraisal keeps an eye on all available information in order to have a clear picture of the property’s value.

Real estate tips: 

Find more terms in our real estate Glossary!

And use The OFFICIAL Real Estate Agent Directory® to find an agent for you!

 

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

Federal agency that monitors the federal savings an loan associations and federally insured state-charted S&Ls. It acts as a central bank. ...

Room in a home where the occupants spend their leisure time. ...

Where property is sold to the highest bidder. ...

Sometimes, a perplexing legal term (a genuine headscratcher) emerges when buying or selling a property. You know you should know it, but its precise definition escapes you. Today's special ...

In urban areas, one way to organize urban development is to keep track of building density. The building density definition is a way to determine the concentration of buildings in a given ...

Substituting one party for another in an action giving that party full rights or claims. Foe example, an insurance company pays the insured for a fire loss caused to the home by a third ...

A written agreement between institutional investors to buy or sell ownership shares in mortgages. An institution such as a bank can agree to buy a certain number of shares in a single or ...

As a hopeful house hunter, renter, or seasoned real estate investor, you've probably come across baffling terms. One such term is "adhesion contract." It might sound complex, but don't ...

Self-employed contractor who may perform work on a structure such as residential or commercial property. ...

Popular Real Estate Questions