Selling Your Home? Here's How Pricing Really Works (CMA Explained)

I'm breaking down what a Comparative Market Analysis really is, how agents price your home, and why an accurate CMA protects your sale in North Idaho. This is the second video in my seller series for homeowners thinking about listing. First I covered how to interview real estate agents.

Now I'm explaining Comparative Market Analysis, also called a CMA, and how pricing really works when you sell. I'm Leslie Simpson. I have been selling real estate since 2014 here in North Idaho, and I make videos about life and real estate in the Coeur d'Alene area.

If you are planning a move or getting ready to sell, I would love to help you build a solid plan. What a CMA Actually Is A Comparative Market Analysis is how a real estate agent identifies the value of your property. We look at recent sales near your home, ideally within about a mile, then compare those homes to yours with adjustments.

In a neighborhood, comps should come from that neighborhood when possible. In a more rural setting, we may need to go farther to find good matches. With inventory low for years, solid comps can be hard to find.

The goal is at least three sold and closed homes. Pending or active listings are not the same as closed sales. Best case, your agent also calls the listing agents to uncover concessions that are not obvious in the MLS.