Lynn Rinner

Great question. And you're absolutely right to be skeptical of those online calculators. They can be fun to look at, but they are not the best way to figure out what your home is actually worth. Those estimates are created by algorithms that pull public data and recent sales, but they cannot actually see your home. They do not know if your kitchen was remodeled last year, if you upgraded the flooring, added a patio, replaced the roof, or turned the backyard into a little resort. Because of that, the numbers you see online can be way off. I have seen online estimates miss the mark by more than $100,000 in some cases. And a quick little reality check. A few years ago Zillow actually tried buying and selling homes themselves using their own valuation models. It did not go well. They ended up losing a lot of money and shut the program down. That tells you how tricky home values can be when you rely on algorithms instead of real market knowledge. The most accurate way to determine your home's value is through a Comparative Market Analysis, or CMA. This is where a real estate professional studies recent sales, homes currently on the market, and homes that failed to sell in your neighborhood. We compare homes that are truly similar to yours in size, condition, upgrades, lot size, and location. Pricing correctly is incredibly important. A home that is priced right from the start usually attracts the most buyers, creates stronger interest, and often results in better offers. Homes that start overpriced tend to sit longer and usually end up reducing their price later. If you are curious what your home might sell for, the best first step is to have a local agent take a closer look at your property and the current market around you. Even though I may not work in your specific area, I would still be happy to connect you with some great agents in your market who can help you get an accurate value.