How to Determine the Value of Your Home

Before you can price your home or determine how much collateral or equity it represents in order to get a home loan, it's necessary to figure out its market value. With the help of a trained and experienced real estate professional, you can ascertain the value of your home within a matter of days.

Two methods are generally used, and both involve written estimates. Depending upon whether you use the appraisal method or the comparative market approach, you'll engage the services of a licensed appraiser or real estate agent.

Appraisals and Appraisers

Appraisers are required to complete stringent coursework and pass a difficult exam before they're awarded a license. In most jurisdictions, they must then enter into an apprenticeship or internship that may last up to two years, before they're considered fully independent, credentialed appraisers. At that point, they're qualified to give estimates for first or second mortgages.

When you hire one to do an appraisal, he will charge a fee-ranging from $200 to $400 in most cases-for a thoroughly detailed and comprehensive written and certified estimate of how much your house is worth. The results are based on dozens of criteria, including lot size, location, square footage, amenities, and quality of construction.

Comparative Market Analysis

Usually referred to by realtors as "comps," the comparative market analysis-or CMA-is a less formal estimate of value, based primarily on recent home sales data in your neighborhood. The CMA can be done free of charge, and is usually an excellent way to ascertain current market value.

Most brokers or listing agents will perform a CMA as a professional courtesy, and can generally produce results within a matter of days, if not hours, thanks to their access to real estate database information.

Most lenders require a recent appraisal as part of the loan application process for a home mortgage or home equity loan, charging the cost of the appraisal to the homeowner. As a result, most consumers forego an official appraisal in lieu of a CMA. This gives a relatively accurate picture of what the property is worth, before spending any money.