Assessment value & market value: Defining the difference

by Jan Kennemer 08/27/2023

In the world of real estate, you will hear the terms assessed value and market value often. Whether you’re a homebuyer, seller, or simply a homeowner calculating your property taxes, these terms are of high importance. 


What is the meaning of assessed value?

Assessed value is a sum used to determine the property taxes of a property. During the assessment process, a government assigned assessor considers the condition of the home, property location, market conditions and qualities of the home. 

Once they have compared the features of the house, similar properties in the same area and other conditions, they can officially assign a value to your home, which aids in determining property taxes. 


What is the difference between appraisal & market value?

Whereas appraisal value is based on a professionally assigned appraiser’s examination of the home for tax assessed values, market value is created by homebuyers. 

When a property is listed on the market to be sold, the monetary amount homebuyers are willing to pay for the home and what banks are willing to invest constitutes the market value.  


Can appraised value be higher than market value?

Market conditions play a huge role in market value in comparison to appraised value. If there are more sellers than buyers, there’s a higher chance the market value will be less than the appraised value. 

However, if the market is hot and there are more buyers than sellers, your home’s market value may be more than what it’s apprised for.

As you prepare to buy, sell or strengthen your homeownership journey, knowing your market and assessed value can be beneficial for budgeting and gauging a listing price.


About the Author
Author

Jan Kennemer

Jan will show you how you can live close to Washington, DC – by public transit and/or highway – and still enjoy all the many amenities and friendliness of a quiet community. Jan is a life-long resident of Arlington, Va. So, she is very familiar with northern Virginia …Arlington, Falls Church, Alexandria and close-in Fairfax. She knows where to find those little out-of the-way places where you will still get excellent value and a home that meets your needs. As a Realtor® for over 20 years, Jan has developed a customized system for marketing and selling properties which includes the latest technologies combined with tried and true practices. She has received special training in working with first time buyers, repeat buyers and seniors. She is a certified VHDA trainer and is certified as a Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES©). Jan is also a certified e-Pro. She gets results you want – the best price in the shortest time. Jan is dedicated to helping clients satisfy their needs and wants while providing them with a strong investment for the future. She is readily available to provide explanations and information. She won’t push you into making an uncomfortable choice. Jan helps you to fully understand the transaction, so that you can always make an informed decision based on facts and figures.