Assessing a home’s market value

What influences a property’s sale price?

Supply and demand are largely what influence a property’s value.

A property’s characteristics (location, surface space, property type, etc.) will also influence its perceived value in buyers’ eyes. In addition, the more demand for a product, the higher the price.

Factors such as market trends and the economy will also affect demand. Market tendencies like favourable interest rates will greatly increase a property’s perceived fair price. Conversely, an economic slowdown or a rate increase can cool buyers’ interest.

How the homeowner chooses to sell his or her property (either with a real estate agent or without) does not influence the property’s market value.

Key factors that influence the value of a home

• Location
• Property type
• Living area
• Age (year of construction, maintenance schedule, renovations)
• Lot size
• Materials used
• Economic conditions
• Supply and demand
• Services
• Presence of a garage, an in-ground pool, a fireplace, a finished basement, etc.

How to know if it’s a fair price?

To determine whether a property’s asking price seems reasonable, the buyer can measure it against other comparable properties that have sold in the area.

For example, if all the townhouses recently sold in a neighbourhood went for between $210,000 and $235,000, the buyer can expect to pay a price within this bracket.

For more information and to obtain a fair and objective market evaluation, you can consult a professional real estate appraiser.

Did you know?

About 8 out of 10 Quebecers surveyed believe that the seller is the best person to inform them of the benefits of living in the property.*