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

Loans that adhere to national guidelines by Fannie Mae, who buy the loans on the secondary market. Fannie Mae purchases mortgages to a certain dollar limit. Conforming loans typically ...

To secure a listing by a real estate agent for a certain parcel of property. For example, a real estate broker wishes to list as many properties a possible to built an inventory of future ...

Arrears is a legal and financial term used to describe payments in regards to their due dates. While the term is more often used to refer to a contractual obligation or liability that was ...

Periodic expenditures undertaken to preserve or retain a property's operational status for its originally intended use. These expenditures do not improve or extend the life of the property. ...

The term “property title” is relatively common and often used in the real estate industry, which is why it’s useful to know what it really means. While the term itself is ...

A lease having two or more joint lessees who share a common liability with a lessor. Under a joint and several liable lease the lessor may demand the full terms of the lease from one or all ...

Term used in the real estate industry describing the price requested by a property owner vs. the price a buyer is willing to pay. Bid is the highest price a purchaser is willing to pay ...

Real estate property incentive offered for reasons other than individual merit. A discriminatory inducement is an effort to get an individual to buy or sell, rent, or lease real estate ...

When you sign a Listing Agreement with a real estate broker or agent, he or she has a fiduciary responsibility to represent your interests exclusively. However, should another client ...

Popular Real Estate Questions