What does an appraisal provide an estimate of?

An appraisal is a professional assessment that provides an estimate of the fair market value of real or personal property. The primary aim of an appraisal is to determine what a property would sell for in the current market under normal conditions. This valuation is crucial in various situations, such as when a buyer is obtaining a mortgage, when a property is being assessed for tax purposes, or during the sale of the property itself.

The concept of fair market value specifically refers to the price at which a property would sell in an open and competitive market, with both the seller and buyer acting prudently and knowledgeably, without any undue pressure. This estimate is based on several factors, including recent sales of comparable properties, the condition of the property, and market trends.

Factors like the taxes associated with a property, the cost of improvements made, and the monthly payment amount are important in the context of overall property investment and financing but do not fall within the primary purpose of an appraisal. The appraisal focuses specifically on determining market value rather than providing estimates or information on taxes, renovation costs, or payment structures.