How much is your home worth today ?
We can make a rough estimate of the value of your home based on what you
originally paid for it and how property values have changed since you
bought it.
Doing an estimate of this kind presupposes certain things.
- It assumes that you paid fair value for it in the first place.
This is most likely true, but if you think you got an
exceptional bargain, or if you 'just had to have it no matter what',
and paid a bit over the top as a consequence, then others you would like
to attract as potential buyers may perceive a greater or lesser value.
- It assumes that you have not made any significant improvements such
as an extension, solarium, finished basement, garage, or something
of the kind.
Not all significant improvements add to the property value, and almost all
return less than they cost, but the fact you have made some may
invalidate this calculation, since their effect will not be
considered.
- It assumes that you have maintained your property in good condition
since you purchased it, which means keeping the paintwork up to date,
repairing the roof or anything else that needs attention, replacing
the carpets when necessary, and generally looking after things.
If your property has deteriorated relative to others of its age, type and
location, then this calculation will not factor in the decline in your
property's relative value.
- It assumes that you have made appropriate upgrades to keep it up to
date.
Basically a similar idea to the previous one, but more subtle.
If it could do with new windows, a new kitchen, ceramic flooring, a high
efficiency furnace, or improved insulation because these are 'the'
things to do in the way of home renovation in your area,
and buyers have come to expect them with a property
of the same type and general location as yours, then the value of your
home will suffer for lack of them.
- It assumes that there have been no significant issues unrelated to
the property which might affect its value.
If a new fire station was built next door, or the road was widened and
now carries a high volume of traffic, not all buyers will perceive these
as positive changes.
Some might even want to pay less for your property as a result.
Of course, you could be living in an area which has undergone urban
renewal, or has become the latest and greatest place to be, with a
consequent increase in perceived value.
These examples are given by way of illustration and warning.
They are not intended to be an exhaustive list, and you should exercise
your imagination to consider what factors might affect the value of
your property other than simple house price inflation.
If you are planning to sell then rather than rely on this calculation and
some guesswork, you should consult a Realtor,
who is trained and experienced in analysing the market value of
residential property in your area.
This calculator will not know anything about significant or
necessary changes which have or have not taken place in or around your home,
it will not take them into account in estimating a fair market value.
CAUTION: this calculator is only a rough guide.
The results are dependent upon average property value changes in the
Kitchener-Waterloo region of Ontario, Canada,
so results cannot be considered remotely valid outside of the KWREB area.
Regardless of the result, the market value of your property could be affected
may factors.
It is therefore important that you obtain a current market analysis
(CMA) from a qualified local Realtor if you wish to gain a true
appreciation of the present value of your property for the purpose of
marketing it.
Beware in case a less than entirely scrupulous Realtor is tempted to
give you an unrealisticly high estimate of the value of your property in
the hope of securing a listing for it.
This would not be in your best interests
as explained elsewhere.
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