Before you list, it helps to know what your home is actually worth — and why an online estimate and a real valuation aren't the same thing.
The problem with online estimates
Automated "home value" tools are a fun starting point, but they're built on broad algorithms. They don't walk your street, see your updates, or know what just sold two doors down. That's why two homes the algorithm calls identical can sell for very different prices.
What a real valuation looks at
A Comparative Market Analysis prices your home against recent local sales, current competition, and what buyers in your area are paying right now. It factors in your home's condition, upgrades, location, and the timing of the market — the things an algorithm simply can't see.
What affects your home's value most
Location and condition lead the list, followed by recent comparable sales, the current supply of homes like yours, and the improvements you've made. Small, well-chosen updates can move the number more than you'd expect.
The bottom line
An estimate gives you a ballpark. A valuation gives you a strategy. If you're even thinking about selling, it's worth getting a real read on your home's value first — you can request a free valuation here.