What Is a CMA in Real Estate?

A Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) is a professional estimate of a property's value based on recent comparable sales. Real estate agents — and FSBO sellers using flat fee MLS services — rely on CMAs to determine a realistic listing price that attracts buyers while protecting equity.

📋 What Does a CMA Include?

A CMA compares your home to recently sold properties (“comps”) with similar features and within the same area. It typically includes:

  • Address, sale price, and date of nearby sold homes
  • Square footage, lot size, and number of bedrooms/bathrooms
  • Adjustments for features such as pools, garages, or renovations
  • Suggested price range based on average cost per square foot

The goal is to identify a competitive and realistic price before listing your home on the MLS.

💡 CMA vs. Appraisal

While both a CMA and an appraisal estimate value, they’re not the same. A CMA is an informal analysis prepared by a licensed agent or broker to guide pricing decisions, while an appraisal is a formal valuation performed by a state-certified appraiser, often required by lenders.

Learn more about the difference in our guide: Market Value vs. Appraised Value.

📈 Why a CMA Matters for FSBO Sellers

For sellers listing through Brokerless, a CMA is one of the best tools for pricing a property accurately from day one. Overpricing can cause listings to sit, while underpricing leaves money on the table. A well-researched CMA helps you:

  • Price your home competitively in your local market
  • Support your asking price with real data buyers trust
  • Reduce the risk of a low appraisal later in the process
  • Increase visibility on Realtor.com and Zillow through accurate pricing

🧾 How to Get a CMA Before Listing

You can obtain a CMA from a licensed real estate agent, broker, or flat fee MLS provider. When you list with Brokerless, your property’s market data and comparable listings are reviewed to ensure your MLS entry reflects fair market value — giving you the best chance at multiple offers early on.

Understanding your local market before going live on the MLS makes the difference between curiosity views and qualified showings.

Ready to Price Your Home Like a Pro?

List FSBO on the MLS with Brokerless for one flat fee. Get exposure on Realtor.com, Zillow, and hundreds of local agent sites — all while keeping control of your pricing strategy.

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