There are many variables that make up the fair market value of a property. Because this value depends heavily on the environment and the property itself, it’s crucial in making sure you get the best buying or selling price. Here are some of the biggest things that fair market value affects:
Insurance
Homeowner’s insurance always uses the fair market value of your home to calculate the price of a policy, which helps the insurance company determine the cost of replacing your home if needed. The cost to replace your home will not always equal the amount you paid for it. This is where fair market value makes a difference. Your homeowner’s insurance policy will provide coverage based on what it will cost them in the current market regardless of the purchase price.
Taxes
Property taxes are another major reason fair market value matters. Your municipality charges you an amount based on its individual tax rate and the appraised fair market value of the property. This means you’ll be charged a percentage of that value rather than a percentage of the purchase price. Fair market value can also affect other taxes, like estate taxes, inheritance taxes and gift taxes. Even if you get a property as a “gift” or through inheritance, you’ll have to pay taxes based on the fair market value as long as you’re the owner.
Legal Issues
There are several legal situations where fair market value can make a big difference. Some of the most important examples would be divorce settlements, which divide assets between two parties. Fair market value also affects issues related to property damage and inheritance. In these cases, the fair market value helps keep everyone discussing the same number for the value of the asset so they can come to the fairest agreement.
Buyers, sellers and investors should know the fair market value of a property to prevent confusion and make the transaction as fair as possible. Knowing these additional reasons fair market value matters will help you understand its importance beyond the actual buying and selling.
About the Author
Robin Anderson Real Estate
“My Passion is people and relationships and I promise to provide my clients with exceptional service tailored to their individual needs.” -Robin Anderson
Georgia native, Robin Anderson brings her passion for people and her love of homes to work for her clients. She and her husband, Andy, have been married for over 30 years and have two adult children, Ellen and Drew. They currently live in Fulton County, but Robin has lived and invested in properties throughout metro Atlanta as well as helped clients buy and sell. She has been integral to many real estate endeavors including designing and building several custom homes, remodeling homes, subdividing land, managing rental properties, and buying and selling properties. She spent her first 3 years in real estate working with a new home builder, and she has spent the last 6 years working with buyers and sellers in her own community. Robin is highly motivated but sensitive to the fact that buying and selling homes can be an emotional experience, so she makes it a priority to keep clients closely informed throughout the process and strives to produce quick results. She appreciates the opportunity to help her clients navigate the real estate process, and she aspires to deliver quality customer service that is both informative and positive. She is driven to provide outstanding service for her clients and she is focused on building successful and lasting relationships with her clients. This personalized service earns her enthusiastic referrals from clients she is pleased to call friends.Edit
