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Real estate glossaryNational exam concept

Fair market value

Fair market value is the amount a knowledgeable, willing buyer and seller would agree upon in an arm's-length transaction when neither is compelled and both have reasonable exposure to the market.

Exam area: Valuation and Market Analysis

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What does “fair market value” mean in real estate?

Fair market value is the amount a knowledgeable, willing buyer and seller would agree upon in an arm's-length transaction when neither is compelled and both have reasonable exposure to the market.

How is “fair market value” different from the closest wrong answer?

Market value is an opinion of the most probable price under stated conditions. Market price is the amount actually paid and can differ because of motivation, financing, or unusual terms.

What is the Georgia-specific rule?

Georgia property-tax calculations generally begin with fair market value and apply the 40 percent assessment ratio before millage and exemptions.

Worked exam example

Scenario

A family transfer at a below-market price does not necessarily establish the property's fair market value because the deal may not be arm's length.

What is the most common exam trap?

Trap correction

Do not assume the latest sale price is automatically the correct value in every set of transaction conditions.

Original exam check

Apply the definition

A parent sells a house to an adult child for $180,000. Similar nearby homes, sold between unrelated parties after normal marketing, bring about $260,000. What is the best evidence of fair market value?

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Continue with Valuation and Market Analysis complete lesson. It places this term inside the full rule, worked examples, exam traps, and mixed practice required for mastery.