Are you wondering “how much is my house worth?” I have two answers for you. First, if you don’t really need to move, it is worth whatever you say it is. If you think, “I wouldn’t sell this house for less than $300,000,” then it is worth that much to you. If you need to sell it, though, what it is worth to you is irrelevant.
Market value is the only relevant value once you are ready to sell. This is the value according to all the home buyers out there. They don’t care what you spent renovating the house, or what you originally paid. Spend $50,000 adding a pool, and they may only pay $20,000 more for the home. Real estate is worth what the market says it is worth.
How Much Is My House Worth – Part One
To estimate the market value of your home, use “comparables.” This is how appraisers do it. Find at least three similar homes nearby that have sold within the last six or maybe twelve months (these are your comparables). This information is in county records (sometimes online now), or ask a real estate agent with access to the multiple listing service. Get the sales prices, terms of sale,...