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

Provision at the end of a document, such as a will, wherein the witnesses sign that the instrument has been executed before them. This may be useful involving transfers of real estate. ...

An idiomatic expression indicating the desire of an individual to understand new surroundings and all of its nuances including its quality and character. The derivation of the expression ...

Also called biannual; twice a year. An example is when lease payments are due January 1 and July 1. ...

Generation X, also known as Gen X , is the generational extract of Americans that are sandwiched between the Baby Boomer Generation and the Millennial generation (also called ...

In a mortgage, a provision that allows part of the security to be released from any further lien obligations upon the borrower's making a given payment. For example, a person may get a ...

Method of eliminating the spaces between the solid fragments in fresh cement or mortar during the mixing process. This is done by a combination of constantly mixing, turning, centrifuging, ...

Same as term soil porosity: Extent to which soil has cavities or pores, thereby allowing water to pass through. ...

Also called triple net lease. The lessee pays not only a fixed rental charge but also expenses on the tented property, including maintenance. ...

Multiple Listing is the kind of Listing that is registered by a broker or a real estate agent at the Multiple Listing System (MLS). If a house is directly sold by an owner – the ...

Popular Real Estate Questions