🏡 How to Assess the Value of Your Home in Houston
Understanding What Your Home Is Really Worth
Whether you’re preparing to sell, exploring refinancing options, or just curious about your home’s worth, understanding its true market value is essential. Many homeowners rely on online guesses or tax appraisals, but getting an accurate number takes a little more work.
At Ohana Legacy Properties, we’ve helped Houston homeowners—especially seniors and their families, discover what their homes are really worth and make informed decisions about their next steps. Here’s how you can do the same.
- Compare Similar Homes (CMA)
Start by looking at recently sold homes in your neighborhood. This process is called a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) and helps you understand what buyers are currently paying for homes like yours.
When analyzing comps, look for:
- Homes sold within the last 3–6 months
- Similar square footage and floor plans
- Comparable age, condition, and lot size
- Features such as pools, garages, and upgrades
- Within a half mile radius of your home
You can browse public listings on sites like Zillow, Redfin, or Realtor.com—but a Real Estate Investor/Re-Developer or licensed real estate agent can provide a professional CMA that gives you a far more accurate estimate.
- Use Online Home Value Tools
Online valuation tools (known as Automated Valuation Models) such as:
- Zillow Zestimate
- Redfin Estimate
- Realtor.com Home Value Tool
can offer a quick ballpark figure based on public data.
However, these systems can’t see your home’s upgrades, condition, or location nuances. Use them for a general range, not a final value.
- Hire a Professional Appraiser
If you’re getting ready to sell or refinance, a professional appraisal provides the most reliable valuation.
Appraisers look at:
- Recent comparable sales
- Your home’s physical condition and updates
- Neighborhood demand and location
- Overall market trends
An appraisal typically costs $400–$700 and delivers an unbiased market value accepted by lenders.
- Factor in Your Home’s Condition and Upgrades
Your home’s maintenance and modernization play a major role in value. Updates that can increase worth include:
- New roof, HVAC, or plumbing
- Kitchen and bathroom remodels
- Fresh paint, flooring, or landscaping
Keep documentation of all improvements—it can help justify your asking price and attract more confident buyers.
- Consider Location and Market Conditions
In real estate, location truly is everything.
Home values rise or fall based on:
- School district ratings
- Safety and neighborhood reputation
- Distance to shopping, dining, and healthcare
- Supply and demand in the local market
During a seller’s market (low inventory), you might see homes selling fast and above asking. In a buyer’s market, pricing competitively becomes essential.
- Check Your County Tax Appraisal
Your county tax appraisal gives a baseline estimate of your property’s value. While helpful as a reference, keep in mind this figure is mainly used for taxation—it rarely matches the true market price.
✅ The Most Accurate Way to Know Your Home’s Value
For a clear, accurate assessment of your home’s worth:
- Request a Comparative Market Analysis from a local expert, like Ohana Legacy Properties.
- Review online estimates to get a general range.
- Get a professional appraisal for precise value confirmation.
At Ohana Legacy Properties, we specialize in helping homeowners—especially seniors transitioning out of their long-time homes—understand their property’s value and options for a smooth, stress-free sale.
If you’d like a free, no-obligation home assessment, we’re here to help you make confident decisions about your next chapter.
📞 Contact Us Today
Ohana Legacy Properties
📱 832-402-6181
✉️ info@ohanalegacyproperties.com
🌐 www.ohanalegacyproperties.com