What type of property value does a certified appraiser determine?

A certified appraiser primarily determines the fair market value of a property. This value represents the price that a willing buyer and a willing seller would agree upon in an open and competitive market, assuming both parties are informed and acting in their own best interests. The fair market value is carefully assessed by the appraiser through a thorough analysis of the property's condition, location, comparable sales, and current market trends.

Understanding the concept of fair market value is crucial for various real estate transactions, including mortgage financing, taxation, and sales, as it reflects what the property is genuinely worth in the context of the current real estate market.

The other types of value mentioned, such as future market value, the value after repairs, and potential rental income, do not fit the primary role of a certified appraiser. Future market value involves predictions about the property’s worth at a later date, which is not within the scope of a current appraisal. The value after repairs is often considered in renovation or investment contexts, but again, it does not represent the appraiser's standard evaluation. Lastly, potential rental income relates more to investment analysis than to an appraisal’s focus on fair market value.