A CMA is a tool that helps real estate agents determine a selling price for your home. It’s based on a number of things — we look through factors like the recent homes sold in your neighborhood, the location of your home, square footage, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and any special features like pools or finished basements.

Zillow’s estimates (called Zestimates) are not designed to take the place of a CMA. As a matter of fact, Zillow’s own website states: “…it should be used as a starting point. We encourage buyers, sellers and homeowners to supplement the Zestimate with other research such as visiting the home, getting a professional appraisal of the home, or requesting a comparative market

Before you put your home on the market, make sure that you declutter, clean, and make any necessary repairs to your home, including a fresh coat of paint, fixing loose handles and knobs, and replacing burnt out light bulbs.