Selling
How to Find Out What Your House Is Worth
By David Golovin · September 11, 2026 · 3 min read
How to find out what your house is worth: three methods, ranked by accuracy. The right one depends on what you need the number for.
Automated valuation (AVM)
Cost: Free · Accuracy: Within 5-10%
Quick ballpark, not bank-grade
Comparative market analysis (CMA)
Cost: Free from an agent · Accuracy: Within 2-5%
Listing decisions, pricing strategy
Licensed appraisal
Cost: $400 to $600 · Accuracy: Highest
Lenders, estates, legal disputes
What actually drives the number
Every method starts with the same inputs: recent comparable sales within 0.5 miles, square footage, lot size, condition, upgrades, and days on market. Get those comps right and the valuation follows.
Why your mortgage type matters
If your loan is assumable, it can affect what a buyer will pay. Homes with verified assumable loans at below-market estimated rates can attract premium offers from rate-sensitive buyers. Roots lets sellers list and verify their assumable loan at no cost.
The free way to start right now
Search recent sales in your ZIP on any listing site. Find three to five homes that sold in the last 90 days with similar square footage and condition. Average their price per square foot and apply it to yours. That is the core of what agents and AVMs do anyway.
FAQ
How accurate is Zillow Zestimate?
Zillow reports a median error rate around 2-3% for on-market homes and 6-7% for off-market properties. It’s a useful starting point, not a final answer. A local agent CMA is more reliable for listing decisions.
Does an assumable mortgage affect home value?
It can. A home with an assumable loan at a below-market rate can attract premium offers from rate-sensitive buyers. Roots currently shows over 20,000 active assumable listings with an estimated average rate of 4.83%, vs. today’s 6.76% market rate.
Do I need an appraisal before listing my home?
Usually not. An agent CMA is typically enough to set your asking price. The lender orders a formal appraisal after you accept an offer. If you’re selling without an agent, a pre-listing appraisal ($400 to $600) gives you a defensible number.