Should I have a comparative market analysis?

One of the greatest skills that a Realtor can bring to the table for you is a knowledge of property values across a wide range of areas.  For a seller or landlord, this means you strike the right balance between getting the most value from your home and selling or renting it in a time frame that allows you to either move or capitalize on your investment.

Simply looking at a neighbor’s property and assessing yours based on their sale is fraught with dangers.  Realtors factor in not only differences in construction, floor plans, and location, but also have their finger on the pulse of the market.  The same stands true equally well for buyers and renters.  As a buyer looking for a bargain is key, but setting standards to high for a price range can result in wasted time, or worse yet buying an apparent steal in an area that is an investment nightmare.  Renting places you in similar straights.  Year long leases can be just as binding as buying a new home, forcing you to suffer through details that a trained Realtor will notice in your new home.