When it comes to real estate, there are two values that are commonly used to determine the worth of a property: the assessed value and the market value. When it's time to sell your home, both the assessed value and market value will play important roles in determining the listing price. While the assessed value is used for tax purposes, it doesn't necessarily reflect the market value of your home.

In Florida, as in many other states, these two values can be quite different from each other. Understanding the difference between these two values can be crucial for buyers, sellers, and property owners.

Assessed Value

The assessed value of a property is the value assigned by the local government for tax purposes. The property appraiser in each county determines the assessed value of a property by looking at factors such as the property's size, age, location, and condition. This value is then used to calculate property taxes. The assessed value is typically lower than the market value of a property.

Market Value

The market value of a property is the value that the property would likely sell for on the open market. It takes into account factors such as the property's location, condition, amenities, and recent sales of similar properties in the area. The market value is determined by a professional appraiser or realtor who considers many factors to provide an estimate of the value of the property.

Differences between Assessed Value and Market Value in Florida

One of the key differences between assessed value and market value in Florida is that the assessed value is used for tax purposes, while the market value is used for buying and selling real estate. The assessed value is typically lower than the market value because it is based on a formula that is meant to ensure that everyone pays their fair share of property taxes.

Another important difference is that the assessed value is usually updated less frequently than the market value. In Florida, the assessed value is updated every year, but it may not reflect changes in the market value of a property. The market value, on the other hand, is updated more frequently and reflects changes in the real estate market.

Finally, it's important to note that the assessed value and market value can be influenced by different factors. The assessed value is influenced by factors such as the property's size, age, and condition, while the market value is influenced by factors such as supply and demand, location, and amenities.

Conclusion

A licensed realtor can help determine the market value by looking at factors such as the location, condition, amenities, and recent sales of similar properties in the area. When selling your home, it's important to price it according to its market value rather than its assessed value to ensure that you get a fair price and attract potential buyers. However, it's also important to keep in mind that the assessed value can impact the property taxes that potential buyers will have to pay, which can also affect their decision to purchase your home.