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

Statement made verbally. It is better legally to have a written statement because verbal ones without witnesses may be denied. ...

Also called trust deed. A document that conveys title to a neutral third party during the period in which the mortgage loan is outstanding as collateral for a debt. ...

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

(1) foreclosed real estate or subject property in a bankrupt estate. (2) Income property which is making inadequate returns and has a negative capitalization rate. ...

Money payments to be delayed for a future date or extended over a period of time. ...

A void property is a real estate property that is immediately available for new owners or renters as it is vacated. Void real estate properties can be occupied at a short notice as no ...

Situation in which an owner of property sells the property to an investor and then leases the property back, usually for a 20- or 30- year term. ...

Giving of a promise or guarantee to the receiver to instill confidence. ...

Recurring obligation or assurance given. ...

Popular Real Estate Questions