Home Value & Pricing Strategy

What Determines Your Home’s Value?

Your home’s value isn’t based on guesswork. We use real data, local trends, and an in-person evaluation.
The key factors include:

• Recent comparable sales in your neighborhood
• Active and pending listings (your current competition)
• Property condition, updates, and upgrades
• Lot size, layout, and location attributes
• Market conditions and buyer demand
• Neighborhood micro-trends

You can also review how today’s trends may influence your pricing by checking the
Local Market Update.

The On-Site Evaluation

The most accurate pricing starts with seeing your home in person. During the evaluation, we review:

• Overall condition and maintenance
• Upgrades and remodeling quality
• Layout, flow, and functionality
• Exterior and curb appeal
• Any repairs that may impact value or loan approval

Many homes see a value boost with simple improvements from the
Prep & Staging Guide.

Choosing the Right Pricing Strategy

Pricing isn’t about picking a number—it’s about choosing a strategy that aligns with your goals and the
current market. Typical options include:

1. Market-Value Pricing

Pricing at the heart of the value range to attract strong buyers quickly. Works well in balanced markets.

2. Strategic Underpricing

Pricing slightly below market value to generate high interest and multiple offers. Best in competitive,
tight-inventory markets.

3. Value-Range or Tier-Based Pricing

Using price bands (e.g., “$799,000–$849,000”) to open your listing to more buyer searches and maximize visibility.

4. Premium Pricing

Used for highly upgraded or rare properties. Requires strong marketing and supporting data.

If you want to see how your strategy affects your bottom line, you can calculate estimated proceeds using the
Seller Net Sheet.

Pricing with Appraisal in Mind

Even if a buyer is willing to pay your price, the lender’s appraiser must also support the value. We plan
ahead by:

• Reviewing appraisal trends in your area
• Identifying upgrades that add value vs. upgrades buyers simply “like”
• Preparing a packet of comparable sales and features for the appraiser
• Understanding how FHA and VA appraisals may differ

For insight into how long the appraisal and escrow stages typically take, see the
Home Selling Timeline.

How Market Conditions Influence Pricing

Your pricing strategy must reflect real-time market behavior. Conditions we monitor include:

• Buyer demand and tour activity
• Average days on market
• Seasonal patterns in your ZIP code
• Mortgage rate shifts affecting affordability
• Inventory levels and competing listings

For the most accurate current data, check the
Local Market Update for Sellers.

Your Value Range & Target Price

After reviewing condition, comps, competition, and market data, we determine:

• Your value range
• Your ideal target list price
• Your strategic pricing plan
• Your expected buyer type (owner-occupant, VA, FHA, investor, etc.)

Want to see how your value range translates into net proceeds? Use the
Seller Net Sheet.

How Prep & Presentation Affect Your Value

Condition and presentation can shift your price point by tens of thousands. Improving:

• Curb appeal
• Paint and flooring
• Lighting and fixtures
• Cleanliness and staging

Even small updates often create a major difference in buyer perception. Explore the
Prep & Staging Guide
for examples and recommendations.

Timing Your Price for Maximum Impact

Your timing strategy should align with:

• Seasonal demand
• Your desired move-out date
• Competing inventory
• Local event patterns (school year, military cycles, etc.)

For timing benchmarks, the
Home Selling Timeline
shows how long each stage typically lasts.