Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.
Philip Piantone, Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.
Email: [email protected]

How is Fair Market Value Determined?

by Philip Piantone 03/07/2021

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

Philip Piantone

My goal as a Real Estate agent is to provide you, as my client, with the best possible representation for all of your Real Estate needs. I will accomplish this through a very strong work ethic using limitless energy on your behalf. You will find me a responsible and friendly agent who genuinely cares about the people with whom I work. As a lifelong resident of the Washington Metropolitan area, coupled with the best continuing training in the industry, I am well prepared to provide you with the superior service that you need and deserve to get the most out of your Real Estate transaction. Whether you are buying or selling a home, I am able to provide you with the largest market exposure and to bring you the best possible price, terms, and conditions available. You can rest assured that I can help you achieve your Real Estate goals through superior service in an honest and personable manner that will make you a customer of mine for life.