What is a key factor in calculating fair market value?

A key factor in calculating fair market value is the price at which similar properties have sold recently. This approach is based on the principle of substitution, which states that the value of a property is influenced by the prices of comparable properties in the same market. When assessing fair market value, recent sales data of comparable real estate provides a reliable benchmark, considering current market conditions and trends.

This method offers a real-time reflection of what buyers are willing to pay and sellers are willing to accept, creating a more nuanced and relevant understanding of value compared to historical prices, original purchase prices, or subjective opinions. Therefore, analyzing recent transactions helps ensure that the estimated fair market value aligns closely with actual market dynamics.