How is Fair Market Value Determined?

by Marianna E Perez 03/29/2020

Image by Andrey Popov from Shutterstock

The term "fair market value" is the price at which an interested but not desperate buyer is willing to buy and a motivated but not distressed seller is willing to sell on the open market in your location. The set value depends on recently sold similar-sized homes with like amenities, upgrades, and location. These are known as "comparables" or "comps" in real estate jargon.

Your best resource for learning the market value of your home is your trusted real estate professional. They have access to lists of homes like yours that sold on the open market in recent weeks and months. Of course, no one can know if your home will sell since other factors might be at work too. Changes in local industry and the job market might cause prices to move either down or up. Weather can factor in also.

What if prices drop?

Should you enter the market just as prices begin trending down, you might choose to set your price just below the fair market value. That way, you won’t be forced to lower your opening price if they keep trending downward. To stay competitive, increase the value, not the price. Professionals know ways to market your home’s exceptions such as recent upgrades, repairs, a new roof, walkability, proximity to social life and other seemingly intangible items that keep your home at the top of people’s list.

What if prices go up?

Neither you nor your agent can accurately anticipate the market. But if prices seem to be going up, set yours near the top of the “fair” values. Try not to overprice your home since doing so can have unintended consequences. Lenders and underwriters operate slightly behind the market adjustments, so when you set a too high price, your buyers may not qualify for financing.

Setting the price

Your agent can help you set the right price the first time. Trust their knowledge and expertise in the marketplace. If you’re not sure about the price, test the waters by asking your agent to keep your home as a pocket listing. That is, a listing they can tell agents and clients about that doesn’t appear on the multiple listing services (MLS). That way, you can see if your pricing strategy gains any traction.

About the Author
Author

Marianna E Perez

Marianna E. Perez is a Real Estate professional with over 20 years of experience. A lifelong resident of South Florida, she keeps her finger on the pulse of the latest trends and movements in the real estate market. She offers clients top-notch guidance from start to finish, ensuring the entire process is seamless, efficient and rewarding. Prior to entering real estate, Marianna was Senior Vice President of Commercial Real Estate Banking at City National Bank of Florida. She provided strategic leadership facilitating profitable and efficient origination of real estate loans. Marianna was a trusted advisor to clients and to the bank growing a real estate portfolio to over $300 million. She is firmly committed to the philosophy “not quantity, but quality,” which she practices in both her personal and professional life. Marianna is a graduate of FIU where she earned a bachelor’s degree in business management. She is a member of the Miami Association of Realtors, a lifetime board member of the BASF (Builders Association of South Florida), a member of CREW (Commercial Real Estate Women), and ICSC (International Council of Shopping Centers). She is also involved with the Women’s Leadership Council (United Way TNC). In addition, Marianna has received these special industry accolades: Housing Hall of Fame inductee 2017 Builders Association of South Florida, Associate of the Year 2017 Builders Association of South Florida, Florida’s Best Awards Chair 2016 and 2004 Builders Association of South Florida, Vice President 2008 Builders Association of South Florida, President’s Award 2008 and 2003