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Answers (18)

- Ryan Vincenti, "Ryan VincentiReaItor"
- Contributions:2
I would certainly get a realtor before and after. Like many said before me, a good agent will be able to give you advice to get the most for your money. They will also be able to evaluate your home in an ''as is condition'' giving you a better idea as to how much value you have added to your home! It is however, a good idea to clean & declutter before a CMA, and especially showings!!
-Ryan Vincenti
-Ryan Vincenti

- Barb Joseph, "Barb Joseph"
- Contributions:8
Call an agent now. They can see past what you still need to do. They may offer other ideas that will help get your house sold.
If you don't know which agent you want to use, ask your friends if they could recommend an agent to you. If not call 3 offices and have the agents come talk to you. They will all have helpful ideas and it will give you a chance to see which agent you think will do the best job for you. Do not list with an agent only because they tell you the house is worth the most. List with the one you believe is honest and have the facts to back up the price they suggest.
Good luck!

- Ron Lee, "TigardRealEstate"
- Contributions:68
As soon as your considering a sale and make sure to get three from top local agents! Don't go for the highest one look for the most logical one!

- Tami Winbury, "Tami Winbury"
- Contributions:77
I suggest absolutely get a realtor out there before you do all your projects. Think of it this way- A smart realtor knows what buyers are looking for. They may be able to save you time and money by suggesting which projects you should or should not complete. The realtor may suggest paint colors as to what is trending in the market for buyers interest. Also, consider having a Home Stager come in for a one hour consultation. It should cost $30 an hour and their insight is priceless!! Good Luck!

- Sergio Hernandez, "Sergio Hernandez"
- Contributions:619
Get the CMA now and ask the Realtor to base his/her analysis only on the projects that will actually yield a return on your investment.

- Brenda Roberson, "Brenda Roberson"
- Contributions:3
It is always good to have a broker/agent look at potential projects for added value, finished basement adds value, kitchen and bath remodels or additions add greatest value to the CMA. Overall maintenace and repairs: fence,perserves thecurrent value of the property. Painting, declutter, moving stuff to storage is more of staging activity to improve the appearance and how quickly your home will sell although important it does not impact the cost of CMA. An agent with Staging tips gives you added value in this phase.

- Tamara Schuster, "BrokerTamara"
- Contributions:122
Get a Broker/agent out now and they can guide you on what needs to be done immediately and what should be done in the near future and what will bring you more money and a quicker sale. It is also nice to see where the local comps are and what your competition is doing. For example in some parts of Naperville it pays to put granite in because not only will your house sell quicker but for more money. Little things like touching up painted wood work and cleaning windows and removing wall paper are all tips a great realtor can share with you. Now is the time to get proper guidance before you are ready to list. 


- Vince Curtis, "SoCal Appraiser"
- Contributions:4699
If you choose to hire an appraiser for a valuation, you can find one here at the national directory of all licensed appraisers in the country - it is an option to a CMA or you could do both.

- SteadyState
- Contributions:787
Look at rental prices in your area first for comparable homes. Then see if the Realtors CMA adds up because the agent may "buy" your listing and you will then be blown over by the low ball offers.

- John Poulsen, "jwp007"
- Contributions:7
Fixing up your home will probably increase you home value, depending on the type of renovation is being done. Replacing any kitchen or bath fixtures cabinets and lighting will give the greatest bang for the buck. While painting a bedroom will help the appearance of the room it will not necessarily increase your home price since most people expect to do some painting anyway when they move in.
I lived in West Haven since 1982 and specialize in marketing of homes and helping clients buy in West Haven. Getting a Realtor over before you do the renovations is a good way to find out where to put your money to work for you in order to show your home successfully. A CMA can be done after the renovations are completed. You still have a little time before the spring buying season.
I lived in West Haven since 1982 and specialize in marketing of homes and helping clients buy in West Haven. Getting a Realtor over before you do the renovations is a good way to find out where to put your money to work for you in order to show your home successfully. A CMA can be done after the renovations are completed. You still have a little time before the spring buying season.
Just a warning to you-don't expect the painting and other projects to increase the projected value of your home by a large margin. Those projects will help some, but the main benefit from your actions will come from the increased marketability of your property. I'm not advocating that you don't put a little bit of time and money into sprucing up the homestead, just don't go crazy. This is where you can ask a Realtor to guide you through the staging process. Anyway, I don't want you to get your hopes up too high, because you most likely won't see an increase in the sales price that is equal to the money you are investing. But hey, good luck. Prove me wrong!

- Marco LaPadura David Lau, "Team MD"
- Contributions:263
Sure you can have a CMA done now. Explain what your intentions are in terms of renovation have the Realtor do the CMA now. Then when you are ready to put it on the market have the agent do another CMA to compare to market conditions at that time. A few months in this type of market can have a big effect on pricing.
Good Luck
Good Luck

- Jennifer Alix, "JenniferAlix"
- Contributions:12
You can do the CMA now. Have an open conversation with the Realtor about the things that need to be done. We can also help you determine which repairs and upgrades will have the most impact with buyers. All repairs should be completed before your listing agreement goes into effect and you start showing your home to potential buyers.

- Angie Boggeman, "angie boggeman"
- Contributions:469
Get an agent out now. They can help guide you in what really needs to be done and where to best invest your time and money in repairs.

- Karen Oliver, "emeraldcoaster"
- Contributions:21
Hi Shoehoard,
For over 26 years I have been advising Sellers to complete as many repairs or touch up items on their "to do" list before I arrive to their property.
I have always believed that your first impression is a lasting impression, it is at least for all buyers.
[Self-promotional content deleted by Zillow Moderator]
For over 26 years I have been advising Sellers to complete as many repairs or touch up items on their "to do" list before I arrive to their property.
I have always believed that your first impression is a lasting impression, it is at least for all buyers.
[Self-promotional content deleted by Zillow Moderator]

- John Grady, "John Grady"
- Contributions:5
I concur that now is the time to have a Realtor conduct a Market Analysis for your home. The Realtor will take into account the upgrades you are doing. More importantly the Realtor may have some suggestions you haven't thought about. In this market you need all the details addressed and no one would be more helpful than a local Realtor.
Best of Luck

- Chris Pray, "Chris Pray"
- Contributions:103
I would get a realtor out now. Your husband is correct that the realtor may be able to offer good suggestions on repairs or improvements. They may have other suggestions that can be made to enhance the marketability that you can accomplish while preparing the home for market. It is part of our job to see past repairs, assist in recommendations and help you get the home in the best condition for market that is with your budget!
Best of luck!
Best of luck!

- Jim Stevenson, "therealtorguy"
- Contributions:1111
I would suggest contacting a realtor now. Explain what you intend to do and request a CMA. Also ask the agent to continue sending you new listings and sales in your area. Not only will this build a relationship between you and an agent, but you can keep a finger on the pulse of your local market.



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