Appraisal or CMA? How to Price Your Home Right in Lake Nona, St. Cloud, and Kissimmee
When it’s time to sell your home in Central Florida, pricing it right can make all the difference. List it too high, and buyers might scroll past. Too low, and you leave money on the table. So how do you find that just right price?
You’ve probably heard of home appraisals and Comparative Market Analyses (CMAs). Both are used to estimate a home’s value—but they serve different purposes and come from different professionals.
Let’s break it down so you can make the best decision for your home in Lake Nona, St. Cloud, or Kissimmee.
What Is a Home Appraisal?
A home appraisal is a formal valuation done by a licensed appraiser. It’s typically required by a lender when a buyer is using financing. The appraiser gives a neutral, professional opinion of your home’s value based on:
Recent sales of similar homes
Property condition
Square footage, features, and upgrades
Market trends in your area
When to Get an Appraisal as a Seller:
You have a unique property with few comps
You’re selling For Sale By Owner (FSBO)
You need a solid number for divorce, estate planning, or refinancing
Cost: Expect to pay around $300–$500 for a standard appraisal in Florida.
What Is a CMA (Comparative Market Analysis)?
A CMA is a detailed report prepared by a real estate agent—like our team at MainStreet Realty. It estimates your home’s value based on nearby sales, current listings, and market conditions.
What’s Included in a CMA?
Active listings (your competition)
Recently sold homes (your market range)
Expired listings (what didn’t work)
Adjustments for size, condition, upgrades, and features
Bonus: CMAs are free when you work with a licensed real estate professional.
Appraisal vs. CMA: Which One Should You Use?
Feature
Appraisal
CMA
Who Provides It
Licensed Appraiser
Real Estate Agent
Cost
$300–$500
Free
Detail Level
High (for lenders & legal purposes)
High (for setting list price)
Purpose
Financing, FSBO, legal use
Selling, pricing strategy
Best For
Unique or non-standard homes
Most typical home sales
In most cases, a CMA is enough to price your home right—especially if you're working with an agent who knows your market.
Local Tip: Why Accurate Pricing Matters in Lake Nona, St. Cloud & Kissimmee
These neighborhoods are fast-growing, but each has its quirks:
Lake Nona: Newer homes, modern builds, and tech-driven buyers
St. Cloud: Family-friendly with a mix of old and new properties
Kissimmee: Vacation homes and investment properties are common
Overpricing in these areas can cause your listing to sit too long, while smart pricing can help you sell faster and for more.
How MainStreet Realty Helps You Price with Confidence
At MainStreet Realty, we’ve helped hundreds of sellers in Lake Nona, St. Cloud, and Kissimmee price their homes accurately using real-time market data and deep local knowledge.
Here’s how we help:
Free CMA Reports customized for your neighborhood
Guidance on whether an appraisal is worth it
Expert insights on market trends and buyer behavior
FAQs: Appraisal or CMA?
What’s the difference between a home appraisal and a CMA?
An appraisal is a formal valuation done by a licensed appraiser, while a CMA is a market-based estimate provided by a real estate agent.
Is a CMA accurate enough to set my asking price?
Yes—especially when done by a knowledgeable local agent who understands the current market.
Do I need both an appraisal and a CMA before selling?
Usually, a CMA is enough. You may want an appraisal if your home is unique or if you’re not working with an agent.
How much does an appraisal cost in Florida?
Between $300 and $500, depending on your location and property type.
Can I get a CMA from MainStreet Realty for free?
Absolutely! We offer free CMAs to help sellers in Lake Nona, St. Cloud, and Kissimmee price their homes right.
FAQs About MainStreet Realty
Who is MainStreet Realty?
We’re a trusted real estate team in Central Florida helping buyers and sellers navigate the market with confidence and clarity.
What areas do you serve?
We specialize in Lake Nona, St. Cloud, Kissimmee, Deltona, DeLand, Orange City, Lake Helen, and Osteen.
Do you offer virtual consultations?
Yes, we offer remote CMAs and video consultations so you can get expert help without leaving your home.
Ready to Find Out What Your Home Is Worth?
Whether you’re just curious or ready to sell, we can help you get an accurate, local market value for your home—fast and free.
Get Your Free Home Evaluation Now
Email: [email protected]
Address: 2 Volusia Drive Debary, FL, 32713
Phone Number: Orlando: 407-789-0925 | Volusia: 386-259-2426 | Lake:352-729-1425
