How I look at your home's value
Start with genuinely similar homes
A nearby sale isn't automatically a good comparison. I look at the property type, size, layout, lot, condition, and location, as well as when it sold. A remodeled home on a quiet street may tell a different story from one needing work beside a busy road.
Put recent sales in today's context
Closed sales show what buyers have paid. Active listings show the choices buyers have now. Asking prices are useful context, but they aren't evidence that a home will sell for that amount.
Connect the number to your decision
Preparing to list, weighing an offer, and deciding whether to move are different questions. Your timing and the work you're willing to take on help shape what we should examine next.
Two similar homes. Different comparisons.
Hypothetical example: two nearby homes have similar square footage and bedroom counts. That alone doesn't make their sale prices interchangeable.
| Factor | Home A | Home B |
|---|---|---|
| Condition | Recently updated; major systems replaced | Original finishes; repairs still needed |
| Setting | Interior lot on a quiet street | Lot backing onto a busy road |
| Sale terms | No seller credit reported | Seller contributed to buyer costs |
I'd look at how those differences affected the sales before using either as a comparison. There isn't a universal dollar adjustment for a renovation or a location difference.
What you'll receive
I'll review your property's likely market value using a reasonable range, selected comparable homes, current competing listings, and my commentary on the factors that matter most. I'll explain what I found in a personal conversation and can provide a written summary by email when useful.
After you reach out, I'll review the information you provide and follow up personally to discuss the property and your questions. An on-site visit can be useful when condition, updates, layout, or other details are difficult to evaluate from records and photos. We'll agree on the next steps and timing when we connect.
A few common questions
- Why do online estimates disagree?
- They may use different information, comparable properties, and methods. Details about updates or condition can also be missing. Rather than averaging the numbers, look at the evidence behind them and what still needs to be checked.
- Will an improvement add what it costs to my home's value?
- Not necessarily. Cost and resale value are different things. The work, the home's starting condition, and the alternatives available to buyers all matter. Before preparing a home for sale, it's worth comparing the likely benefit with the expense and time involved.
- Can we talk before I've decided to sell?
- Yes. Understanding your home's value can help you decide whether to sell, stay, or explore another option. You don't need a listing date to start asking questions.
- Do you require a listing contract?
- Yes, if you decide to have me represent you in selling your home. A listing agreement clearly explains our relationship, the services I will provide, how communication will work, and the responsibilities of everyone involved. It protects both of us by making sure we have the same understanding from the beginning. The agreement is part of building a professional relationship, not a way to pressure you into moving forward. We can talk through the details together and discuss terms that fit your situation. We will have several conversations before deciding whether the relationship is right for you.