How to Price Your Home/What is a CMA?

One of the most common questions I get from homeowners is:
“How do I know what my home is worth?”

Pricing is arguably the most important factor in the selling process. A home that’s priced too high can sit on the market, become stale, and ultimately sell for less—costing you both time and money. On the other hand, a well-priced home can attract strong interest and competitive offers.

So how do you find that sweet spot?

1. Comparative Market Analysis (CMA)

A great place to start is by having a real estate professional prepare a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA). This is a free service offered by most agents (myself included!) and provides a detailed look at your home’s potential market value.

Here’s how it works:

• I’ll tour your home and gather key details—condition, upgrades, layout, etc.

• Then I’ll compare it to recently sold properties in your area that are similar in size, style, and features.

• I’ll adjust for differences between your home and the comps to determine a realistic value range.

Pricing your home within this range gives you the best chance at attracting serious buyers—and top-dollar offers.

2. Professional Appraisal

Another option is hiring a licensed appraiser to determine a value. They’ll use a similar approach to the CMA but provide a specific appraised value in a formal report.
This option is more detailed but usually costs a few hundred dollars out of pocket.

So, Who Sets the Price?

Ultimately, you do—it’s your home and your decision. But working with an experienced real estate agent who understands local trends and buyer behavior is one of the smartest moves you can make. We’re here to guide, advise, and make sure you don’t leave money on the table.

Need help pricing your home?
I’d love to provide a FREE CMA and walk you through your home’s current market value. Reach out using the contact info on the homepage or visit the “Contact Me” section under the “About Me” tab.

Let’s get your home sold—at the right price! 😊