The only issue that I see in hiring an appraiser is this:
An appraiser does not normally quantify visual appeal of a property. If two properties are identical, and both in similar condition, on the same street, they likely will appraise for the same amount. However, if one has updated, current decor and the other is dated with old colors, most often the first one will not only sell faster, but at a higher price. A Realtor who is familiar with what is currently selling will have valuable input that an appraiser will likely not. Check out some of the popular shows on HGTV (Staged to Sell, Sell this House, etc.) to get an idea of the huge difference visual appeal makes for selling your house for the highest price.

Yesterday, 09:47

The fact is, your best source is not a Realtor but a Certified Appraiser who you hire directly and independently from a bank or third party. Typically, the cost is about $300-$400. A Realtor can also run comps of recent sales but they usually expect your business in return.

Fri May 9 2008, 07:36

Your best source is a Realtor. Statistics on the internet are not as reliable as the information your professional can provide. The market changes constantly these days, and you want someone with knowledge and experience to get your house sold.

Thu May 8 2008, 08:26

Your house is worth what buyers in your area will pay for it . You get the best price if your house is prepared to sell, i.e. you must clean up and declutter to attract buyers. Look at your house as if you were the buyer. Visit some other homes that are on the market. Would you buy the houses you see? Wwhy? Why not? Those reasons apply to your house too.

Tue May 6 2008, 08:57

just be very very wary of the Realtors who will give you a high estimate thinking that will get you to list with them over another Realtor. Ask to SEE the comps and have them explain why your home is priced the way it is

Mon May 5 2008, 11:05

Any Realtor can give you a free evaluation of your homes worth. You should contact three different Realtors to come give you a listing presentation. Don't be swayed by the Realtor that gives you the highest price,unless this person comes with facts to back up their price.Sometimes people will give you an inflated value to get you to list with them We cal this "buying a listing" they then work on you to lower the price. This is detrimental to you because when you don't price your home correctly you waste time bringing in the wrong buyers. It would be in your best interest to find a Realtor that is familiar with the area in which your home is located.They will know the market better than someone out of the area. Cait Donohue

Mon May 5 2008, 06:43

The fastest way to find out what your home is worth would be to go tohttp:// www.housevalues.com and then contact that realtor for him/her to do a through walk through. It should all be done without any cost or committment to you.

Mon May 5 2008, 05:53

Ask everyone around how much they think your house is worth and average it. After all you can make your own survey and be pretty accurate. and then again there is Zillow but it is not accurate and even Zillow discloses that. Zillow is just a starting point.
Muriel Levin
Votre agent immobilier en Californie
muriellevin@coldwellbanker.com

Sun May 4 2008, 23:07

Renee, As several others here have stated , the value of your home is dependant on many different factors. Location and condition of the home are two of the factors that figure into figuring out a good listing price.
Consider Comparables.
What have other homes in your neighborhood sold for recently?
How do they compare to yours in terms of size, upkeep, and amenities?
Consider Competition.
How many other homes are for sale in your area?
Are you competing against new homes?
Consider Your Contingencies.
Do you have special concerns that would affect the price you will receive?
For example, do you want to move in three months?
Get an appraisal.
The day of the open house, place directional signs at major intersections
within a few blocks of your home. Be sure to check local sign regulations.
Be Accurate.
Studies show that homes priced more than 3% over the correct price will
take longer to sell.
Know what You’ll Take.
It’s critical to know what price you will accept before beginning a
negotiation with a Buyer.
If you would like any assistance please contact me at mdonohue@cbgundaker.com
Thanks,
Cait Donohue

Sun May 4 2008, 15:30

there is a LOT that goes into determining what the value of your home is. It's much more than looking at the recent sales in the area, it's also comparing their condition to the condition of your home. It's looking at amenities and the little things that make one neighborhood differ from another. You need to work with a Realtor to determine that, unless you are just interested in getting a bank appraisal (which is different than the market value) in which case you should pay for an appraiser to come look at your house.

Fri May 2 2008, 14:41

Although there are loads of sites to choose from it is best to contact a local real agent, who is known in your area. Many of the web sites simply use public data and averages. A REALTOR can give you a realistic price based on your homes condition and area sales. A good agent can also give you tips on what will help sell your home.

If you do not know of any agents, simply ask for a referral from a friend or relative. You can also go to REALTOR.com or one of the search engines.

Cindy Knight
Realty Executives e-Group
Macomb County, MI

Fri May 2 2008, 14:10

Rene,
You can check what properties have sold for recently around your neighborhood by clicking on the google map search function on my web site and then sold properties. I would be happy to give you a more in depth anyalysis of your particular style of home. It would be best if you contact me directly through my web site email or phone (number on web site also), as I will need more information to do that. I am very familiar with St. Louis City and County. Good luck!

Fri May 2 2008, 14:10

Your house is worth what a ready & able buyer is willing to pay for it. It will be dependent on the sales price of nearby houses that compare to yours, and also on the prices of similar houses that are currently for sale. If you would like to search for comparable properties to yours, click on our website below and you can get a general indication of prices of homes in your area. The market in St. Louis has ranged from recent sales under $10,000 to upwards of $1,000,000. Without more details it is impossible for anyone to know the value of your home in St. Louis. Please call if I can help. Good luck to you!

Fri May 2 2008, 14:02