Opinion ID: 2102051
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: valuation of the home

Text: Wife contends the trial court's valuation of the home was not within the range of evidence presented by the parties. The trial court valued the home at $135,000 gross. This court will not disturb a property division unless it clearly appears that the trial court abused its discretion. Hersrud v. Hersrud, 346 N.W.2d 753 (S.D.1984). We cannot place a valuation on assets. That is a fact finding function of the trial court. Kittelson v. Kittelson, 272 N.W.2d 86 (S.D.1978). While we do not require exactitude, valuations must be within the range of evidence before the Court. See, Hersrud, supra; Krage v. Krage, 329 N.W.2d 878 (S.D.1983); Hanks v. Hanks, 296 N.W.2d 523 (S.D.1980). An appraisal indicated the home was worth $205,000.00 in 1980. The husband testified its value had since diminished. He established, and the wife accepted, a house value of $185,000.00. That left the value range between $205,000.00 and $185,000.00. The trial court's $135,000.00 valuation was therefore outside the range of evidence.