A Comprehensive Guide for Today’s Real Estate Market

Navigating the real estate market can be like trying to solve a complex puzzle. Just as you can easily check your bank balance or the current value of your stock portfolio, wouldn't it be convenient if you could do the same with your home's value? Unfortunately, real estate doesn't come with that simplicity.

Understanding your home's value as a seller is crucial to price it correctly when it hits the market. An overpriced property might end up gathering dust, while underpricing it could mean missing out on a significant sum - definitely not something any seller wants. As a buyer, being informed about a home's value helps you make a competitive offer without overpaying.

You don't have to be buying or selling to be interested in your home's value, though. As a homeowner, tracking your property's worth annually can help you understand market trends, providing invaluable insights when the time comes to sell.

Fortunately, professional real estate agents, who are adept at deciphering the subtle aspects of your local neighborhood, can determine your property’s true market value free of charge!

Understanding Home Value: Appraised, Assessed, and True Market Value

As you embark on a home buying or selling journey, you'll often encounter terms such as appraised value, assessed value, and true market value. Understanding these distinctions will help you make well-informed decisions.

Appraised Value

The appraised value is determined by a professional appraiser, typically required by a lender when the buyer finances the property. An appraiser, while being objective and licensed, doesn't have any obligation towards the buyer, seller, or lender. The appraised value safeguards the lender from a buyer overpaying for the property.

The appraiser calculates this value by comparing the property to similar homes in your neighborhood and considering factors like location, square footage, appliances, upgrades, improvements, and the home's interior and exterior.

Assessed Value

Your local municipal property assessor sets the assessed value of a home. This value affects your annual property tax calculation, with a lower assessed value leading to less property tax. The assessor evaluates similar neighborhood home sales, your home's size, age, condition, and any improvements or upgrades to calculate this value.

However, keep in mind that most assessors don’t have complete access to your home, which limits their information. If your assessed value seems too high, don't panic. Many homeowners appeal their assessments to lower their property taxes.

True Market Value

A real estate agent determines the true market value, reflecting what a buyer is willing to pay for your property. An experienced agent can pinpoint this value accurately because they understand buyers' psychology in your market. As a seller, knowing your true market value helps in deciding your list price and identifying any home improvements that might increase your value.

Online Estimators: How Reliable Are They?

You might be tempted to check popular real estate websites like Zillow, Redfin, and Trulia to estimate your home’s value. However, these online calculators merely provide estimates, not actual appraisals or the “true market value.” Their algorithms process publicly available data and user inputs, taking into account special features, location, and market conditions.

While these estimations provide a good starting point for discussions about your home’s worth, they don't substitute the expertise of a real estate agent. An agent comprehends your market's dynamics much better than any computer program. They interact with buyers and sellers daily and understand different demographic preferences.

The Methodology Behind Your Home's True Market Value

A real estate agent calculates your home's true market value by conducting a comparative market analysis (CMA). This involves comparing your home's features to similar properties in your area. Key factors influencing their assessment include:

• Local neighborhood sales

• The home's exterior (curb appeal, house style, front and backyard)

• The home's interior (Square footage, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, appliances)

• Age of the home

• Style of the home

• Market trends

• Location of the property

Algorithms are not capable of taking all these factors into account when determining your home's value. The bottom line is that a real estate agent or professional appraiser is unmatched when it comes to accuracy in establishing a home’s true market value.

Your Real Estate Agent: Your Guide Through Every Step

Expertise in determining a home's true market value is part and parcel of a real estate agent's skill set. As a seller, your agent assists you in finding your home's market value to ensure you list it at the correct price. As a buyer, your agent helps you understand this value to make a reasonable offer. They can also arrange a personalized home search on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) for you, enabling you to discover what's available in your city and at what price.

Wondering about your home's true market value? Contact us to request a free, no-obligation Comparative Market Analysis to ascertain exactly how much your home is worth!