Understanding Your Home's True Market Value
Learn how appraisers, agents, and investors evaluate properties—and why their numbers may differ.
8 min read • Updated Jan 2025
Resources for Home Sellers
Knowledge is power. Explore our comprehensive guides, tools, and insights to help you navigate your home-selling journey with confidence.
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Market Insights
Understanding current market conditions is critical to making informed decisions about selling your home. Here's what you need to know:
Key Market Indicators
- •Inventory Levels: Low inventory = seller's market. High inventory = buyer's market.
- •Days on Market (DOM): How long homes stay listed before selling. Lower DOM indicates strong demand.
- •Price Trends: Are home prices rising, falling, or stable in your area?
- •Interest Rates: Higher rates = fewer buyers. Lower rates = more competition.
2025 Market Trends
Rising Cash Offers
More investors are making cash offers, accounting for 27% of home sales—up from 22% in 2023.
Faster Closings
Median time to close has dropped to 35 days (down from 45 days in 2023).
Seller Concessions
More sellers are offering concessions (repairs, credits) to attract buyers in competitive markets.
💡 Pro Tip: Market conditions vary by neighborhood. A city may be a "buyer's market" overall, but your specific area could be hot. Always analyze local data.
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Home Valuation Guide
Your home's value depends on multiple factors. Here's how professionals determine what your property is worth:
Factors That Impact Your Home's Value
📍 Location
- • Neighborhood quality
- • School district ratings
- • Proximity to amenities
- • Crime rates
- • Future development plans
🏗️ Property Features
- • Square footage
- • Bedrooms & bathrooms
- • Lot size
- • Garage/parking
- • Outdoor spaces
⚙️ Condition & Upgrades
- • Age and maintenance
- • Recent renovations
- • Kitchen & bathroom updates
- • Roof, HVAC, appliances
- • Curb appeal
3 Methods of Home Valuation
1. Comparative Market Analysis (CMA)
Real estate agents compare your home to similar properties that recently sold in your area. This is the most common method for listing homes.
Best for: Traditional MLS listings
2. Professional Appraisal
A licensed appraiser conducts an in-depth inspection and provides an official valuation. Required for most mortgage transactions.
Best for: Refinancing, legal matters, or buyer financing
3. Investor Valuation (ARV)
Investors calculate After Repair Value (ARV) minus renovation costs and their profit margin. This results in below-market offers but fast closings.
Best for: Quick sales, as-is conditions
💡 Important: Online estimators (Zillow, Redfin) can be off by 10-20%. Always get a professional opinion before making decisions.
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Comparing Selling Options
Not all selling paths are created equal. Here's a detailed comparison to help you choose the right option:
| Factor | MLS Listing | Cash Investor | FSBO |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expected Sale Price | 95-100% of market value | 65-85% of market value | 85-95% of market value |
| Closing Timeline | 60-90 days | 7-21 days | 90-120+ days |
| Commission/Fees | 5-6% commission | $0 commission | $0 commission |
| Repairs Required | Usually yes | No (as-is) | Usually yes |
| Showings/Open Houses | Yes, multiple | No | Yes, you manage |
| Certainty of Sale | Medium (deals can fall through) | High (cash = certainty) | Low (limited exposure) |
| Best For | Maximizing price, move-in ready homes | Speed, as-is sales, avoiding hassle | Saving commission, unique properties |
💡 Propvera Advantage: We show you ALL options side-by-side with real numbers for YOUR property—so you can make the best choice for your situation.
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Seller's Checklist
Follow this step-by-step checklist to prepare your home for sale and maximize your success:
Phase 1: Preparation (4-6 weeks before listing)
Phase 2: Marketing (1-2 weeks before listing)
Phase 3: Showings & Negotiation (During listing period)
Phase 4: Closing (After offer acceptance)
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Cost Calculator
Estimate your net proceeds after all selling costs. Enter your details below:
Enter Your Details
Your Estimated Results
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Fill in the form and click
"Calculate Net Proceeds"
to see your estimated results.
💡 Want a personalized breakdown? Get a free Propvera assessment showing your net proceeds across ALL selling options—MLS listing, cash offers, and more.
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Seller's Library
In-depth articles and guides to help you master the home-selling process:
The Hidden Costs of Traditional Listings
Agent commissions are just the beginning. Discover the full financial picture of listing your home.
6 min read • Updated Jan 2025
When a Cash Offer Makes Sense (And When It Doesn't)
Cash offers promise speed and certainty—but they come at a price. Learn when to accept and when to wait.
10 min read • Updated Jan 2025
Staging Your Home for Maximum Impact
Staged homes sell faster and for more money. Here's how to stage on any budget—DIY or professional.
7 min read • Updated Jan 2025
Negotiating Like a Pro: Price, Repairs, and Closing Terms
Master the art of negotiation to get the best price and terms without losing the deal.
9 min read • Updated Jan 2025
Best Time of Year to Sell Your Home
Timing matters. Discover seasonal trends and how to maximize your sale regardless of the calendar.
5 min read • Updated Jan 2025
Ready to See Your Options?
Get a personalized comparison of your selling paths—backed by data, tailored to your goals.