When you buy or sell a home, you often hear two different values: valued and market value. They sound similar, but they serve different purposes and are calculated differently.
The value of a home is used for property tax purposes, while the market value is used to determine the value of a home in the current real estate market.
This Redfin article will help you break down the differences between value and market value and understand how each is determined, why they are important, and how they affect your finances. Whether you buy it Home in Fort Worth, Texas Or you’re refinancing yours Home in Detroit, Michiganyou will know how to value your home and what value to focus on.
Important differences between value evaluated and market value
Evaluated values | Market Value |
Used by local governments to calculate property taxes | It reflects the price that real estate sells in the current market |
Determined by the local tax evaluator | Determined by market conditions, agents and evaluators |
Usually reassessed every 1-5 years | It always fluctuates based on the real estate market situation |
Calculated using market value percentage (valuation ratio) | Based on comparable home sales and buyer demand |
It affects property tax | It affects home sales prices, refinances, and home equity |
What is the evaluated value?
Evaluated values Value assigned to a home for tax purposes. Local governments use this value rather than the market price of a home to calculate property taxes.
How is the value rated for a house determined?
Tax evaluators usually evaluate the property on a regular schedule. This is only possible every few years, or if the ownership changes its ownership in accordance with local law.
A local tax evaluator calculates the home’s valuation based on:
- Market value of the real estate (usually derived from recent home sales in the area)
- House areaage, condition, and function
- Local tax rates and evaluation methods
- Value of a comparable home in the neighborhood
However, most local governments do not tax 100% of the market value of your home. Instead, they apply valuation rates, which are the percentage of the estimated market value that is actually taxed.
Important things to know about evaluated values:
Used Property tax calculation only
Usually it’s lower More than market value
Updated With the set schedule By tax evaluator
You can sue it If you think it’s too expensive
Examples of how to calculate evaluated values
To calculate the evaluated value of a house, the following equation is usually used:
Market Value X valuation ratio = valuation value
Let’s say your home has a market value of $300,000 and a local valuation rate of 80%.
$300,000 x 0.80 = $240,000
The valuation is $240,000, and property taxes are based on that number and are not a full market value of $300,000.
What is market value?
The market value of a home is how much it sells in the current real estate market. This number is determined by buyer demand, economic situation and comparable home sales.
Unlike value value, market value is not determined by the government, but is shaped by what the buyer is willing to pay. It fluctuates based on supply and demand, mortgage rates, and local trends.
How is the market value of a home determined?
Market values are not set by bureaucrats. Instead, it is determined by:
- Recent sales of similar homes (comparable or “”Comp”)
- Location (neighborhood, school district, amenities, desirability)
- The state and features of the house (update, layout, curb appeal)
- Demand and supply in the local real estate market
- Interest rates and economic situation
How can you find the fair market value of your home?
There are several ways to find the fair market value of your home. The most common method is:
- Online Home Evaluation Tool: Redfin estimate We provide you with a free instant quote for How much is your home worth? It is based on a variety of data points, including market conditions, home features, and location.
- Equivalent Market Analysis (CMA): A report from a real estate agent comparing homes with similar properties recently sold in your area. Consider factors such as size, condition, and location to estimate what your home can sell in the current market.
- Home Rating: an evaluation It provides a detailed assessment of the value of the home by assessing its condition, characteristics, and location and comparing it with similar characteristics of the area. This method provides formal, accurate estimates that are often required for mortgages and refinance purposes.
By using one or more of these methods, you can fully understand the fair market value of your home and from there you can make an informed decision about the next step.
Important things to know about market value:
I’ll decide How much does a house sell?
It always changes Based on market conditions
Usually it’s higher than the evaluated value
Why and when is the difference between what is evaluated and market value important?
If you are a homeowner: Property tax is based on value
- The value value determines your property tax, not the market value of your home.
- Even if home prices in your area rise, property taxes do not increase immediately, as the value value is updated regularly and is usually lower than market value.
When selling: Market value determines the selling price
- Buyers and real estate agents ignore the value they value when creating offers.
- The selling price of your home depends on the market value based on recent sales of similar homes.
When refinancing or obtaining a home equity loan: Market value issues
- Lender-based refinance conditions and Home Equity Loan Not about the value value but about market value.
- Higher market value means more home equity and qualify for better loan options.
If you are suing your property tax: Focus on value
- If you think your property tax invoice is too high, you can try the value you value.
- Providing evidence that similar homes are rated as less or that your rating is outdated could potentially lower your property tax.