Should I Get an Appraisal Before Listing My Home?

One question I hear from some sellers is:

"Should we get an appraisal before we list?"

For many traditional home sales, the answer is probably no.

A strong comparative market analysis (CMA) is often enough to help determine a competitive price based on recent sales, current inventory, condition, and buyer demand in today’s market.

But there are situations where a pre-listing appraisal can be very helpful.

Especially if your home is:

• Unique

• Luxury

• On acreage

• Historic

• Difficult to compare to nearby sales

It can also provide clarity in situations like:

• Estate sales

• Divorce situations

• Family buyouts

• Inherited property

Sometimes having a neutral third-party opinion helps everyone feel more confident moving forward.

At the end of the day, buyers still determine market value based on what they’re willing to pay in the current market.

But for certain homes and situations, an appraisal can absolutely add clarity—and peace of mind.