Process Guide
What's my home actually worth?
Online estimates are a starting point. Here's what really drives your home's value — and how to get a number you can actually rely on.
What actually determines your home's value
- Recent comparable sales — homes similar in size, condition, and location that sold in roughly the last 3–6 months carry the most weight, far more than listings that are still active or expired.
- Condition and updates — kitchens, bathrooms, and major systems (roof, HVAC, foundation) tend to move value the most, both up and down.
- Lot size and layout — usable outdoor space and a functional floor plan often matter more to buyers than raw square footage.
- Neighborhood and school assignment — in the South Bay and East Bay specifically, school boundaries can meaningfully affect buyer demand even between two very similar streets.
- Current market conditions — interest rates and local inventory levels shift what buyers can and will pay, independent of anything about your specific house.
Why online estimates are a starting point, not an answer
Automated valuation tools are built on public records and broad algorithms — they typically don't know about a finished basement, a recent kitchen remodel, deferred maintenance, or the fact that the comp two doors down backs onto a busy street. They're a reasonable first data point, not a number to list at.
Want an actual number, not an algorithm's guess?
Conrad will walk your property and put together a comparative market analysis based on real, recent, local sales — no obligation to list.
Common Questions
FAQ
Are online home value estimates accurate?
They're a reasonable starting point but often miss condition, recent updates, and hyper-local factors that a walkthrough and comparative market analysis would catch.
What's a comparative market analysis (CMA)?
A CMA is an agent's assessment of your home's value based on recently sold, comparable properties in your specific neighborhood, adjusted for differences in size, condition, and features.
Does a home valuation cost anything?
A CMA from a local agent is typically free and comes with no obligation to list your home.
Talk through your next move
Buying, selling, or just want to know what your home is worth right now — a short call is the fastest way to get a straight answer.
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