Answers by Juliette Ferguson

You may be seeking a CMA - Comparable market analysis - this is something that a realtor can provide to you for free. It is an estimate of what your home would likely sell for "as-is" at this time. Of course, time changes everything. A good agent will view your home and make suggestions based on your needs. Sometimes selling as-is is best for a seller - and time is of the essence. Other times. time is less important, and making a higher net return is the ideal situation. In that case, your realtor may make suggestions including clearning out items, painting, updates, etc. The first look is critrical and top photography and videography is a big part of the "first look". I work in California, but if you wouldl like, you can use my website for a general estimate of value. But, for a true estimate, you will want a realtor in person. Zillow, Redfin, Realtor.com can give vague numbers - but they are often way off in the reality since they cannot see in the home and do not know if it is a fixer upper or turnkey home. Additionally, online estimates do not usually even identify differing zip codes and school districts - appraisers will. So - your question mentioned appraisal - if you want an appraisal - that costs money. But if you just want an estimate of what it would sell for, I suggest a free CMA from a realtor. If there is a legal reason for an appraisal - such as a death in the family, probate sale, etc. then you want to find an appraiser and pay for a full appraisal. Make sure you discuss with your attorney first as this may be something they are handling for you. h My website has a free home estimate for the entire USA even though I am in California. Hello to you in Texas - my mother in law lives in Corpus Christi! Jette Ferguson, TeamJette.com 831-402-3800 for California Real Estate Questions

FastExpert will help you locate agents. you may interview them to see who best matches your needs and goals. Every realtor offers their own unique abilities so take time to locate one you like and trust.

It depends on your goals. It sounds like you are trying to get a value of your home to give to the buyer to determine a fair market value. Realtors should have referrals for you - Amy Quimby reply below shows some appraisers. I would call them directly. However, as a seller, you do not usually need to do the appraisal - unless you are doing it to determine home value. Sometimes appraisals come in much lower than a buyer appraisal after the sale price is noted on the contract.