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Know your home's value: a simple step-by-step guide
You live in it, maintain it, maybe even love it—but do you know what your home is actually worth?
Whether you’re thinking of selling, refinancing, or just curious about your equity, understanding your home’s value puts you in control. It’s not just about a number—it’s about making smarter, more confident decisions.
And the good news? You don’t need to guess.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to how real pros evaluate your home—and how you can too.
1. Take a look through buyer's eyes
Start with a simple walkthrough—but this time, pretend you’re a buyer seeing your home for the first time.
Ask yourself:
Does the home look well-maintained?
Is the layout functional?
How’s the lighting, both natural and artificial?
Are there any obvious repairs or cosmetic fixes needed?
You don’t have to renovate—just be honest. A fresh coat of paint, decluttering, or tightening a loose cabinet handle can quietly boost perceived value.
2. Factor in updates & wear
Age matters—but so does effort.
If you’ve added upgrades like new appliances, smart thermostats, or energy-efficient windows, that counts toward your value.
On the flip side, outdated systems (think: 20-year-old HVAC or an original roof) might bring it down.
Keep a list of:
Improvements and their dates
Major repairs
Anything that stands out (e.g., bonus room, built-in shelves, garage conversion)
3. Check recent local sales (aka "comps")
Comps—short for comparable sales—are recently sold homes similar to yours in size, layout, age, and location. They’re a key part of how real estate agents and appraisers estimate value.
Look for:
Sales from the past 3–6 months
Homes within a similar neighborhood radius
Similar condition and features
If homes like yours sold for $450K recently, that gives you a good benchmark—especially if they’re slightly smaller or less updated.
4. Use online tools—but choose wisely
You’ve probably seen those “instant home value” estimates online—but they’re often based on limited data and don’t account for your home’s unique features or current local trends.
That’s why we built our own tool to give you a more accurate, locally-informed starting point—without the guesswork.
It’s fast, free, and built with real local insight.
5. Book for a professional evaluation
For the most accurate picture, reach out to a trusted local real estate agent and request a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA).
What they’ll do:
Walk through your home
Analyze local comps
Factor in market conditions
Deliver a tailored value range (plus suggestions to boost it, if needed)
It’s usually free, no pressure, and way more precise than any online estimate.
6. Home evaluation's checklist
✔️ Walk through your home with a buyer’s mindset
✔️ List all upgrades, repairs, and standout features
✔️ Review local comps (recent sales of similar homes)
✔️ Compare online estimates—but don’t rely on them
✔️ Request a CMA from a local agent you trust
Ready for what's next?
You don’t need to be selling tomorrow to start thinking about your home’s value today.
Having that number in your back pocket helps you plan ahead—whether you’re dreaming of a renovation, eyeing the market, or just staying informed.
No pressure. Just clarity, confidence, and the freedom to decide what’s right for you.
