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

To pass property by will to an heir. Strictly speaking, real estate cannot be bequeathed to an heir, it must be devised. However, if it becomes clear the purpose of the testator was to ...

A shallow yet funny definition of a tax specialist is someone who loved math since 1st grade. He or she has an elephant’s memory and is always up to date with the regulations and ...

Raised concrete border constructed along a street or a sidewalk. A curb prevents vehicle from going on the adjacent property and sidewalks as well as directing runoff into storm drains. ...

Individual who has the initiative to star an enterprise. The entrepreneur usually hires people to work for him. ...

The operating expenses definition is the sum of costs or expenses a company deals to operate as a business. The term operating expenses is used in any business field and is commonly ...

Listing of real estate property done without any effort an the part of the real estate broker. An example is when a homeowner calls the real estate brokerage firm on his own without having ...

time period, as established by state statute, during which a property owner can redeem a defaulted mortgage or land contract or reclaim a foreclosed property. A property owner acting ...

A map that shows land elevations. ...

The portion of a structure providing the primary ground support. Foundations have a foundation wall forming a permanent below grade retaining wall. All modern foundations rely on concrete ...

Popular Real Estate Questions