Home Appraisal vs Realtor CMA: What's the Difference?
How an independent appraisal differs from a real estate agent's comparative market analysis — and when each makes sense.
A Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) is prepared by a
A Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) is prepared by a real estate agent to help a seller select a list price or a buyer formulate an offer. It is informal, generally free, and not regulated.
A residential appraisal is a regulated, independent opini…
A residential appraisal is a regulated, independent opinion of value prepared by a designated or licensed appraiser, intended to be relied upon for a specific purpose such as financing, legal proceedings, estate, or tax.
When the value will be relied on by a
When the value will be relied on by a lender, court, lawyer, accountant, or government body, an appraisal is typically required. When the goal is simply to set a list price, a CMA is often sufficient.
Many sellers benefit from both
Many sellers benefit from both: a CMA for pricing strategy and, where the stakes warrant, an appraisal to support negotiations or a private sale.
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