Why FSBO Sellers Should Order a Pre‑Listing Appraisal
Selling your home without a real estate agent—commonly known as "For Sale By Owner" or FSBO—can be a practical choice for many homeowners. It offers more control and the potential to save on commission fees. But it also requires a solid understanding of your home’s value.
A pre-listing appraisal can be a helpful resource in this process. Here’s why.
1. Helps Set a Realistic and Competitive Price
Many FSBO homes are either overpriced due to emotional attachment or underpriced out of fear of losing buyers. An unbiased appraisal provides a professional opinion of value based on local market data, condition, location, and recent comparable sales. This helps you enter the market with a price that’s realistic—and more likely to attract serious buyers.
2. Reduces the Risk of Pricing Surprises Later
Even if a buyer agrees to your asking price, their lender will usually require an independent appraisal. If that value comes in lower than expected, it could lead to renegotiation or the deal falling through. Ordering an appraisal ahead of time helps minimize these issues by ensuring the price is supported from the start.
3. Adds Credibility to Your Listing
Buyers are often cautious with FSBO properties, especially when pricing feels subjective. Providing a recent appraisal can add a level of transparency and professionalism to your listing. It shows that the value wasn’t just guessed—it was thoughtfully determined.
4. Helps Support Your Negotiation Position
Having a well-documented appraisal in hand can help you feel more confident during negotiations. When questions come up about price, you’ll have a detailed, objective report to reference.
5. Highlights Key Features That Impact Value
Appraisers take into account aspects of the home that might not be obvious in photos or online listings—like recent improvements, energy-efficient upgrades, or high-quality materials. Having those elements included in your appraisal gives you a better understanding of what buyers may value most.
What to Expect from the Appraisal Process
If you’re ordering an appraisal as a FSBO seller, here’s a general overview of what the process with CMP Appraisals looks like:
Initial scheduling and prep: You’ll schedule an appointment and can receive guidance on how to best prepare your home for the visit.
On-site inspection: The appraiser will inspect the interior and exterior, take measurements, and make note of upgrades or unique features.
Market research and analysis: After the visit, the appraiser researches recent comparable sales, market trends, and other data points.
Final report: You’ll receive a written report with the final opinion of value, along with supporting data and commentary.
Final Thoughts
Selling your home on your own comes with both opportunity and responsibility. A pre-listing appraisal can be a helpful step in making sure you’re set up for success—by giving you confidence in your pricing and a stronger position throughout the process.
If you’re preparing to list your home FSBO in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake or surrounding areas of Hampton Roads, consider getting an appraisal before you go live. It’s one of the simplest ways to reduce uncertainty and start the process with clarity.