What Is My Home Worth?
What is my home worth?
If you’re thinking about selling, one of the first questions that comes to mind is, “What is my home actually worth?” The answer isn’t always simple, but there are clear steps to help you get an accurate picture. Let’s start with the basics and then move into how I help sellers like you find the perfect pricing strategy.
Start with a quick online estimate
Use my instant valuation tool for a fast, ballpark value:
👉 Get your home’s estimate
You’ll get an automated range in just a few seconds. It’s a great starting point to get a general idea, but it’s not the final pricing strategy. That number still needs to be refined using real data and local insights.
What actually determines your home's value?
Comparable Sales (Comps)
These are similar homes: same size, layout, and condition that have sold recently in your area, usually within the last three to six months.
Condition and Updates
The age of your roof and HVAC system, the style of your kitchen and bathrooms, flooring, windows, layout, and overall maintenance all play a big role.
Micro-Location
Even within the same neighborhood, a home on a quiet cul-de-sac might be worth more than one on a busy corner. School zones, busy streets, privacy, and views matter too.
Market Dynamics
Interest rates, how many homes are for sale, and how quickly they’re selling will all affect your value.
Current Competition
Active and pending listings show what buyers are comparing your home to. We’ll look closely at those before we list.
Online Estimate vs. Professional Pricing
Online estimates use algorithms. They’re fast and convenient but can miss key details like your upgrades, recent renovations, or special features that make your home stand out.
That’s where a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) comes in. A CMA is a hands-on, data-driven report that compares your home to others recently sold, with specific adjustments for things like square footage, lot size, pool, and condition. It’s how I create a real pricing strategy, not just a number.
How I Price Your Home
When we work together, I go through a few clear steps to pinpoint the right list price:
Data Review – I identify the best comparable homes that have sold and the ones currently on the market.
Adjustments – We look at how your home stacks up. Maybe you have newer flooring, a better roof, or a larger lot—those factors add value.
Market Check – I review how quickly homes are selling in your price range and what price points are getting the most buyer attention.
Strategy Session – We review my research together and choose a pricing approach that fits your goals.
Quick Ways to Boost Your Home’s Value
Before we list, small updates can make a big impact:
Fresh paint and touch-ups to make everything feel clean and bright.
Good lighting and simple landscaping for great photos and strong first impressions.
Minor kitchen or bathroom updates like new fixtures or cabinet hardware.
Basic maintenance such as pressure washing, cleaning gutters, or servicing the HVAC.
Staging and decluttering so buyers can see themselves living in the space.
The Number You Really Want: “What Will I Walk Away With?”
Knowing your home’s value is one thing. Knowing what you’ll actually net after the sale is another. Your net proceeds depend on your sale price, mortgage payoff, closing costs, and any credits or fees.
I’ll create a custom net sheet for you that shows best-case, base, and conservative scenarios so you can plan confidently.
How We’ll Nail Your Price: Step-by-Step
Here’s how we’ll work together:
Run your online estimate → 👉 mcthorngroup.com/sell
Schedule a quick walk-through so I can note updates and condition.
I’ll prepare a custom CMA and we’ll review it together in a short strategy call.
Complete a simple pre-list checklist to make small tweaks that add big value.
Launch with professional photos & videos, standout listing copy, and targeted marketing.
Quick FAQ
Q: Zillow says one thing and Realtor.com says another, who’s right?
Neither is fully right or wrong. Those are automated systems that don’t see your upgrades, lot size, or recent improvements. They’re good for a rough idea, but we rely on a professional CMA for accuracy.
Q: Can we price high and see what happens?
You can, but the first two weeks on the market are your best window to attract serious buyers. If we overshoot, it can reduce showings and lead to lower offers later.
Q: How fast will we know if the price is working?
By day seven, we’ll review showing activity, feedback, and online views. If we’re missing our target numbers, we’ll adjust before the listing gets stale.