How to Determine Your Home’s Value Before Selling
Understanding the value of your home is a crucial step in deciding whether to sell or stay put. Your home’s worth is influenced by several factors, and having an accurate estimate can help you make informed decisions. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to determine your home’s value.
1. Research Comparable Properties
Start by looking at recently sold homes in your area that are similar to yours. Focus on properties that:
- Are currently under contract or recently sold (rather than just listed at an asking price)
- Have a similar square footage (within 20%)
- Feature the same number of bedrooms and bathrooms
- Have similar construction styles (avoid comparing a two-story home to a single-story ranch)
- Were built within the same time period
By analyzing these key elements, you’ll get a realistic estimate of what buyers are actually willing to pay for a home like yours.
2. Consider Current Market Trends
Real estate market conditions can significantly impact your home’s value. Take note of:
- Inventory levels: If there are very few homes for sale in your neighborhood and listings sell quickly, you may be able to price your home higher.
- Days on market: If homes similar to yours have been sitting unsold for an extended period, they may be overpriced. Pricing your home slightly lower than stagnant listings can increase your chances of selling quickly.
3. Factor in Home Upgrades and Renovations
If you’ve made any major upgrades, such as a kitchen or bathroom remodel, your home may be worth more than similar properties that haven’t been updated. However, not all renovations yield the same return on investment. If you’re considering upgrades before selling, reach out for advice on which projects will add the most value to your home.
4. Get a Professional Appraisal
For the most precise valuation, consider hiring a professional appraiser. An appraisal provides an expert, unbiased assessment of your home’s worth based on market data and property condition. Keep in mind that this service typically costs between $650 and $700.
5. Use Our Free Home Evaluation Tool
If you want a quick and reliable estimate of your home’s value, use our free online home evaluation tool at soldwithdave.com. It provides an instant estimate, and if you feel the number is off, we can help fine-tune it for accuracy. In about 98% of cases, our tool delivers highly accurate results.
6. Schedule a Personalized Home Value Consultation
For the most thorough analysis, we can visit your home and provide a precise estimate of its market value. We’ll also offer expert recommendations on what improvements (if any) will maximize your sale price.
If you’re thinking about selling, don’t leave money on the table—get an accurate valuation today! Contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation.