Why is the Schedule of Fair Market Values important for real property appraisals?

The Schedule of Fair Market Values is vital for real property appraisals because it sets the standard for market comparison. This schedule provides a benchmark for determining the value of a property by reflecting current market conditions and trends. By establishing fair market values, it allows appraisers, buyers, and sellers to assess whether a property is priced appropriately relative to similar properties in the area. This standardization helps ensure that appraisals are consistent, fair, and reflective of actual market transactions, which is crucial for making informed decisions in real estate.

The other aspects, such as legal ownership, zoning classifications, and tax exemptions, while important in their own right, do not directly relate to the valuation process through a market comparison. Legal ownership pertains to property rights, zoning classifications affect how land can be used, and tax exemptions relate to fiscal considerations rather than appraisals.