How to calculate Net worth?

[Bhanu P.]

Hi All,

I do have a question that seems so basic to me but I am not sure what should be the right answer & hence posting it here :-)

When calculating Networth, how to enter the value of a property?

For example,
a) If I do have a property with market value of 100K,
should I enter 100K

(or) 90K by deducting closing costs

(or) 85K by considering the volatality, uncertainity plus closing cost

(or) something totally different by taking 'liquidity' factor in to consideration - In other words, liquidity factor on SFR in a busy area is totally different from an undeveloped land located in a remote area --> How to calculate in order to factor that in to the number that we are entering in to networth calculations?

If I do have 50K loan on this property, I believe that I have to reduce that from the above number. Correct???

Thanks in advance for your input.

[Frank Jiang]

What an awesome question.

- Accounting View

From an accounting perspective, according to US GAAP you use the BOOK VALUE of the house to calculate your Equity position.  (Book value refers to the price that you originally paid for the asset, Market value refers to the current price at which you can sell an asset).  You do not account for capital gains until you actually sell the asset and incur profit/loss.

- I Want to Know my Net Worth for Funsies

Technically, you don't need to hassle with stuff like closing costs, volatility, uncertainty when calculating your net worth.  Your net worth in the example above is simply 100k (A) - 50k (L) = 50k (SE).

However, you very astutely noticed that this 50k would not be a very accurate figure if you were to try and liquidate your home position to cash.

You can account for this by bucketing your assets and liabilities into Current Assets/Liabilities (Cash, Stock, Credit Card Debt, Current Portion of Mortgage/Car/Other Loan) and Long Term Assets/Liabilities.  This way you can see your liquid net worth and your aggregate net worth. This should give you a much clearer view of your financial situation.