Do You Know How Much Your House Is Really Worth? — Work with a Realtor to Find Out
Why use a realtor?
- Local market expertise: Realtors know neighborhood trends, buyer demand, and micro‑market shifts that AVMs and generic sites miss.
- Accurate CMAs: Realtors pull current, MLS-based comparable sales and make professional adjustments for condition, lot, upgrades, and timing.
- Pricing strategy: Realtors recommend an optimal list price and pricing plan (e.g., staged increases, price bands, or aggressive pricing) aligned with your goals — speed, top dollar, or both.
- Marketing and exposure: Realtors create targeted marketing (MLS, broker networks, social media, open houses) to reach qualified buyers, not just casual lookers.
- Negotiation and timing: Experienced agents manage offers, counteroffers, contingencies, and timelines to protect your price and terms.
- Transaction management: Realtors coordinate inspections, appraisals, disclosures, lender communication, and closing details to reduce risk and delays.
What a good realtor will do for your valuation
- Perform a professional Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) using recent closed sales, pending contracts, and active listings.
- Walk your home and identify value-adding improvements and low-cost fixes that can raise offers.
- Advise on staging and curb appeal to broaden buyer appeal and justify higher pricing.
- Recommend inspection or pre-listing repairs when they’ll prevent appraisal gaps or bad-faith reductions.
- Use buyer feedback and market response to adjust pricing strategy quickly if needed.
Questions to ask a realtor when valuing your home
- What recent comps did you use, and why are they comparable?
- How would you price my home today, and what’s your recommended strategy?
- What marketing will you use, and who’s your target buyer?
- How many homes like mine have you sold in this neighborhood in the last 12 months? What were those sale prices vs. list prices?
- Can you provide an estimated net proceeds statement (after commissions, closing costs, and typical concessions)?
- How will you handle multiple offers, appraisal gaps, or low appraisal results?
How to choose the right realtor
- Look for local track record and recent sales in your neighborhood.
- Read reviews and ask for client references.
- Compare proposed CMAs and marketing plans — not just the top price they promise.
- Interview 2–3 agents to compare communication style, strategy, and fees.
- Prefer agents who use data (MLS, days on market, list-to-sale ratios) and explain their reasoning clearly.
Preparing to work with a realtor
- Gather records on improvements, permits, utility bills, and HOA rules.
- Do small, visible repairs and declutter — realtors will point out what matters most.
- Be ready to discuss timeline and priorities (fast sale vs. max price).
- Consider a pre-listing inspection or appraisal if you expect valuation disputes.
How realtor involvement affects outcomes
- Higher sale price: Proper pricing, presentation, and negotiation typically lead to better offers.
- Fewer surprises: Realtors anticipate appraisal issues, buyer financing problems, and closing obstacles.
- Time savings and stress reduction: They handle the legwork and paperwork so you can focus on decisions, not details.
When to bring a realtor in
- Before you decide to list — they’ll help set expectation and prep the home.
- When you’re refinancing and want a realistic market check.
- If you’re weighing renovations vs. listing as-is — an agent can estimate ROI.
- Anytime you want a professional valuation backed by local MLS data.
Next steps
- Request CMAs from 2–3 local realtors and compare their analysis and marketing plans.
- Ask for a walk-through and a written pricing strategy.
- Choose the agent whose data-driven approach, communication, and local experience you trust.
Working with the right realtor turns an uncertain number into a clear plan — a valuation backed by local expertise, strategic marketing, and professional negotiation that protects your bottom line. Want help drafting questions to ask agents or a message to request a CMA?
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