A Comparative Market Analysis is a detailed look at what similar homes in your area have recently sold for, property that is currently listed as well as those that are under contract. We hand-select comparable properties—ideally homes that are close by and share key features with yours—then carefully adjust for what makes your home unique. Renovations, layout, location, and condition all matter. The result? A thoughtful, well-researched estimate of your home's current market value—not just based on data, but on experience and context.

An appraisal is an unbiased valuation of a home based on a professional’s opinion. They are usually what mortgage companies use for home purchases and refinances. An appraiser does a complete visual inspection of the interior and exterior of the home as well as taking into consideration recent sales of similar properties and market trends. The appraiser then compiles a detailed report on the home, including an exterior building sketch, a street map showing the home and any comparable sales, photos of the home and street, an explanation of how the square footage was calculated, and any other relevant information.

Lenders base the amount of their loans on the value of your property. Knowing what your home is worth allows lenders to calculate your equity in the home. The more equity you have, the better terms you will receive on your refinance.

If you’re doing home improvement projects to increase the resale value, you want to make sure you’re not pricing it out of the market. If your home is already priced on the high-end for your area, making too many improvements could make it more difficult to sell. When you get a valuation, you can see how your home compares with others in the area and let this guide your home improvement decisions.

If you want to borrow cash against your home, getting a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) could be a good option. To qualify, you must have a certain level of equity in your home. Most lenders require at least 20%. Getting a home valuation will help you determine if you qualify and will be used by the lender to make a decision on your loan.

Though it’s not a necessity, simply knowing the value of your home is good information to have. It will help you plan for the future and deal with unforeseen circumstances when you might be in a position that requires extra money or a quick relocation. Knowing how much equity you have in your home and how much you may be able to borrow against it or sell it for will help you respond to any financial curveballs that life throws at you.