Understanding Valuations and How a Real Estate Agent Can Determine Your Home’s Value

If you are thinking about listing your home for sale, one of the biggest factors that may be holding you back from pulling the trigger on this decision is the value of your home. You may have a decent idea about the value of your home by researching other listings in your community, but you may not be able to pinpoint a fair asking price that would get your home sold quickly without leaving money on the table. The fact is that your knowledgeable real estate agent will provide you with a valuation up-front, and this can help you to make a more informed decision. There are several components to the valuation that you may need to know more about.

The Layout Of The Home

When a real estate agent is preparing a market valuation, he or she will initially tour your home to get a feel for the layout. Factors like the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, the size of the living areas, if the kitchen is closed off or open to the home and more will all impact desirability and therefore value. Because of this, it is not always easy for a homeowner to determine value with accuracy, and the insight of a knowledgeable and experienced agent is important.

The Square Footage Of The Home

Your real estate agent will know the average price per square foot of homes in the area, and this price per square foot can be applied to your own home. However, keep in mind that there is a difference based on one or two-story homes. Generally, one-story homes will have a higher price per square foot than two-story homes. Other factors such as the condition of the home and special features will come into play.

The Condition And Special Features

When you receive a valuation for your home, the real estate agent will give you additional value for special features that have broad market appeal or for an improved condition over other homes in the community. For example, if your home is in an older community and you have recently updated the kitchen, you may have a value based on a higher price per square foot than other homes in your area.

The fact is that the average price per square foot of similar homes in the area will come into play for your valuation, but there are adjustments made for different features and for the condition of the home. You can learn more about the value of your home by speaking with your real estate agent.