How Do I Determine My Home’s Value?
- By Jim Blackburn
- on
- 100 first time home buyer FAQs
First-Time Buyer & Owner Guide: 3 Reliable Ways to Find Out What a Home Is Worth
Whether you’re buying, selling, refinancing, or just curious—knowing your home’s value is a powerful piece of the puzzle.
But not all estimates are created equal. Here are three ways to get a solid sense of your property’s worth—plus when to use each one.
1. Online Estimates Are Quick—but Not Always Precise
Websites like Zillow, Redfin, and Realtor.com offer free home value tools, known as automated valuation models (AVMs). These tools analyze public data to give you a ballpark estimate. They’re great for:
-A quick snapshot of your home’s worth
-Watching value trends over time
Just keep in mind—they’re not always accurate. These tools don’t factor in upgrades, condition, or hyper-local market shifts.
2. A Real Estate Agent Can Run a CMA
For a more accurate take, ask a trusted agent to create a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA). They’ll review:
-Recent sales of similar homes nearby
-Your home’s size, condition, and location
-Market trends in your neighborhood
A CMA is free, fast, and ideal if you’re considering selling or refinancing soon.
3. A Professional Appraisal Is the Gold Standard
If you want the most reliable value—especially for official purposes like refinancing or legal matters—a licensed appraiser is your best bet. They’ll perform an in-person evaluation of your property, considering everything from square footage to recent upgrades and local comps. This is the method lenders trust.
Want to Know What Your Home Is Really Worth?
Download our free “First-Time Buyer Game Plan” eBook — includes a DIY home value checklist and valuation breakdown
Chat live now to request a free CMA or connect with a local appraisal expert
Schedule a call with a Stairway Mortgage advisor to explore refinancing, selling, or tapping your home equity
At Stairway Mortgage, we believe knowing your home’s value is the first step to using it wisely.
Let’s turn your equity into opportunity.
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