One of the first questions homeowners ask when thinking about selling is: What’s my home actually worth? It’s a simple question—but the answer is far from one-size-fits-all. Accurately pricing your home is both an art and a science, and getting it right can make the difference between a quick, profitable sale and a long, frustrating listing.
You might think your home’s value is based on what you paid for it, the upgrades you’ve made, or even how much your neighbor’s house sold for. While those things do factor in, they don’t tell the full story. Real estate markets shift constantly. Demand, location, seasonality, interest rates, and even buyer psychology all come into play.
Online estimates (you know the ones) are tempting to trust, but they often miss the mark by thousands—sometimes tens of thousands—of dollars. Why? Because they can’t see your view, feel the warmth of your kitchen, or understand the charm of your street.
A true market value comes from a comparative market analysis (CMA), crafted by someone who lives and breathes your local market. As a realtor, I dive deep into recent sales, current competition, and local trends to determine your home’s sweet spot—where price and demand meet. Priced too high? You risk sitting stale on the market. Too low? You might leave money on the table.
Just remember–Determining the true value of your home can feel overwhelming, but understanding how to accurately price it is the first crucial step toward a successful sale. Check out the following list for a quick reminder of things to consider when assessing the value of your home:
- Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) by a Realtor
- Online Home Value Estimator Tools (e.g., Zillow Zestimate, Redfin Estimate)
- Professional Appraisal by a Licensed Appraiser
- Look at Recent Comparable Home Sales in Your Neighborhood
- Review Active Listings of Similar Homes Nearby
- Check Price Reductions on Similar Homes That Didn’t Sell
- Consult with Local Real Estate Agents for Market Insights
- Evaluate Market Trends and Local Economic Factors
- Consider Upgrades and Renovations You’ve Made
- Assess Your Home’s Condition and Unique Features
- Use Public Property Records for Assessed Value
- Attend Open Houses in Your Area for Pricing Comparison
- Look at Days on Market (DOM) for Comparable Properties
- Analyze Interest Rates and Their Effect on Buyer Demand
- Hire a Real Estate Consultant for a Detailed Market Report
So—what’s your home really worth? Let’s find out together. I’ll give you a free, honest, and personalized valuation so you can move forward with clarity and confidence.
The Paul Smith Team has expertly helped hundreds of clients successfully sell and/or buy their homes. Whether you need a Listing Specialist or Buyer’s Agent our team can help make the process smooth, predictable, and trusted every step of the way!
If you would like to receive more detailed information about buying and/or selling a home, give our team a call or send our team an email with your information with the Subject Line “Buying and/or Selling A Home” and we will be happy to help!
You can reach us at 843.606.0234 and/or home@thepaulsmithteam.com.