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

A forced sale or forced liquidation typically means an involuntary sale of valuables or property for financial reasons. If an unpredictable or uncontrollable event emerges, a seller must ...

Derogative term describing a high-pressure telemarketing office where sales personnel often use extremely exaggerated claims as well as intense sales practices to convince targets clients ...

Right of an individual to be offered something before it is offered to others. For example, a tenant whose apartment is going to be converted to a cooperative has the first right of ...

One who has committed a tort. A tort is a civil wrong that occurs as a result of a breach of legal duty owed to someone, e.g., negligence. A tort does not arise from a breach of contract. ...

A portion of a real estate company's assets financed with debt instead of equity. It involves interest an principal obligations. Financial leverage is beneficial to real estate investors ...

The largest financial intermediaries directly involved in the financing of real estate. Commercial banks act as lenders for a multitude of loans. While they occasionally provide financing ...

Sales commission charged to buy shares in a real estate mutual fund sold by a broker or salesperson. Typically, the fee ranges from about 1 percent to 8 percent of the initial investment. ...

maintenance procedures conducted to prevent later repairs and furthering a longer useful life. For example, many boilers and burners are cleaned and serviced each year before the winter ...

The amount of a periodic payment, whether monthly, quarterly, or annually, including interest and principal, required for a mortgage payment. ...

Popular Real Estate Questions