Home valuation
Know where you stand
Your home is likely one of your largest assets, and its value shapes many financial decisions — when to sell, whether to refinance, how much you could borrow, and which improvements are worth making.
Checking your home’s value from time to time keeps you informed about the equity you have built, so that when an opportunity or a change in plans comes along, you can act with confidence rather than guesswork.
Request your valuation
Enter your property address and contact details.
An online figure is a starting point. A precise opinion of value comes from a comparative market analysis or a licensed appraisal.
What shapes your property’s value
- Location — the neighborhood, the block, and access to transit, parks and amenities
- Size and layout — square footage, bedroom and bathroom count, and how well the space works
- Condition and updates — recent renovations, systems and finishes
- Building and ownership type — co-op, condo or townhouse; building amenities; monthly maintenance or common charges
- Light, views and outdoor space — often decisive in New York City
- Recent comparable sales — what similar homes nearby have actually sold for
- Market conditions — inventory, interest rates and buyer demand at the time
Methods
Three ways to value a home
Not every valuation is the same. The right one depends on what you need it for.
| Online estimate | Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) | Professional appraisal | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prepared by | An automated model | A real estate agent | A licensed appraiser |
| Based on | Public records and recent sales data | Recently sold, pending and active comparable homes, adjusted for differences | A full inspection of the property plus comparable sales and market trends |
| Best for | A quick, general sense of value | Pricing a home to sell, or understanding your position in today’s market | Mortgages, refinancing and other lending decisions |
| Keep in mind | Can miss renovations, condition, views, layout and building-specific details | An informed professional opinion, not a formal appraisal | Usually ordered by the lender; a fee applies |
ONLINE
Online estimate
An automated estimate is a useful first look. It draws on public records and recent sales, but it cannot see inside your home. Renovations, condition, light, views, layout and the particulars of a co-op or condo building can all move the real number — in either direction.
MARKET ANALYSIS
Comparative Market Analysis
A CMA is how an agent prices a home for the market. It compares your property with similar homes nearby that have recently sold, as well as those currently in contract or on the market. Each comparable is adjusted for the ways it differs from yours — size, condition, floor, exposure, outdoor space, amenities — to arrive at a realistic price range for today’s buyers.
APPRAISALS
Professional appraisal
An appraisal is an independent opinion of value from a licensed appraiser, and it is what lenders rely on for purchases and refinances. The appraiser inspects the interior and exterior, reviews comparable sales and market conditions, and documents the findings in a formal report. Appraisals are usually ordered by the lender, and the fee — which varies by property and lender — is typically paid by the borrower.
When it matters
When a valuation is worth having
Situations When a Home Valuation May Be Necessary
Selling
Pricing is one of the most important decisions in a sale. A well-supported valuation helps you set a price that attracts serious buyers without leaving money on the table.
Refinancing
Lenders base how much they will lend on your home’s appraised value, and the maximum depends on the loan type and program. Knowing your value in advance helps you estimate your equity and judge whether refinancing makes sense.
Borrowing against your equity
A home equity line of credit (HELOC) lets you borrow against the equity you have built. Lenders set minimum equity requirements, so an up-to-date valuation shows whether you are likely to qualify — and the lender will rely on its own appraisal when deciding.
Renovating
Not every improvement pays for itself. If your home is already near the top of its market, further upgrades may be hard to recover at sale. A valuation shows how your home compares with others nearby and helps you prioritise.
Planning ahead
Even with no immediate plans, knowing your home’s value helps you prepare for the unexpected — a move, a change in family needs, or a financial opportunity.