What Is a CMA—and Why Sellers Shouldn’t Skip It

If you’re thinking about selling your home, you may hear real estate agents mention a “CMA.” It sounds technical, but it’s actually one of the most practical tools a seller can use. A Comparative Market Analysis, or CMA, helps determine what your home is realistically worth in today’s market—and getting this right can make a big difference in your final sale price.

What a Comparative Market Analysis Really Is

A CMA is a report that estimates your home’s value by comparing it to similar homes in your area. These comparisons are based on properties that have recently sold, homes that are currently on the market, and listings that didn’t sell.

Think of a CMA as a snapshot of your local market right now. It shows how your home compares to others buyers are considering and reflects what people are actually willing to pay—not just what sellers hope to get.

Unlike online price estimates, a CMA looks beyond basic data. It accounts for your home’s condition, updates, layout, location, and current market trends—details that automated tools often miss.

The Types of Homes Included in a CMA

A strong CMA usually looks at three kinds of comparable properties:

Recently sold homes
These show what buyers have actually paid for similar homes, usually within the past three to six months. Because they reflect real transactions, these are the most important comparisons.

Active listings
These homes are your current competition. Buyers will compare your home to these listings when deciding what to tour and what to offer.

Expired or withdrawn listings
Homes that didn’t sell can be just as informative. They often reveal pricing mistakes, presentation issues, or timing challenges that sellers can learn from and avoid.

Why Pricing With a CMA Matters

Pricing your home correctly from the start is critical. If a home is priced too high, it often sits on the market longer. Buyers may assume something is wrong and either pass it over or wait for price reductions. In many cases, this leads to a lower final sale price.

Pricing too low has its own downside—you risk leaving money on the table and giving up equity you’ve built over time.

A CMA helps identify a realistic price range that attracts buyers while still aiming to maximize your return.

A CMA Does More Than Set a Price

Beyond pricing, a CMA can offer insight into what’s happening in your neighborhood. It may show which features are helping homes sell faster, what buyers seem to value most, or where small improvements could make a noticeable difference.

For example, you might learn that updated kitchens are driving higher prices, or that certain layouts are more appealing in your area. This kind of information can help you make smarter decisions before listing.

Why Professional Insight Still Matters

A CMA isn’t just a spreadsheet—it’s a combination of data and experience. A well-prepared analysis takes into account things like:

• The condition and updates of your home

• Local supply and demand

• Seasonal market patterns

• Buyer expectations in your area

• Design, layout, and less-obvious features that affect value

This human judgment is something automated estimates simply can’t replace.

Getting Ready to Sell

A CMA is often the first step toward a confident, well-planned sale. It helps you understand your home’s position in the market and gives you a solid foundation for pricing and timing decisions.

If you’re curious about your home’s value, want insight into your neighborhood’s trends, or are thinking ahead to a future sale, a personalized CMA can provide clarity—and it’s a great place to start. If you are in the Portland, OR area, I am happy to do one for you free of charge.