What must an agent provide if a seller requests a property appraisal?

When a seller requests a property appraisal, providing a comparable market analysis (CMA) is essential for the agent. A CMA evaluates the home being sold against similar properties in the area that have recently sold, are currently on the market, or were withdrawn from the market, taking into account factors such as location, size, condition, and amenities. This analysis helps to establish a competitive and realistic price range for the seller, which is crucial before an actual appraisal is conducted.

A CMA is often created by the agent to assist the seller in understanding the current market trends and setting an appropriate asking price. It provides a more immediate and practical evaluation as opposed to a formal appraisal, which is a more detailed and often costlier process conducted by a licensed appraiser.

While options such as a builder's warranty, pre-listing inspection, and affidavit of value can be pertinent in the real estate transaction process, they do not directly address the need for a pricing assessment as requested by the seller. The focus in this scenario is specifically on market value assessment, marking the CMA as the relevant and most helpful tool in this context.