What a Comparative Market Analysis Actually Tells You

"Comparative Market Analysis" gets thrown around a lot, but most people have never actually seen one or understood what goes into it. Here's what a CMA really is and how I use it to help you price a home or make a strong offer.

What a CMA Actually Is

A CMA is a report comparing a home to similar properties that have recently sold, are currently listed, or went under contract nearby. It's not an appraisal, and it's not an automated estimate like you'd get from a website. It's a hands-on analysis built around the specific home in front of us.

Why the Number Isn't Just a Guess

A CMA grounds a price in real transactions instead of a gut feeling or a generic algorithm. It's why the number I bring you is defensible, whether you're setting a list price or deciding what to offer on a home you want.

A CMA Isn't the Same as an Appraisal

An appraisal is ordered by a lender and performed by a licensed, independent third party. A CMA is something I put together as your agent to help guide a decision before you ever get to that point. Both matter, but they serve different purposes.