REAL ESTATE NEWS
Brought to you by Lavish Realty LLC
Stephanie Mccarthy Broker/Owner
If you're thinking about selling your home, you've probably heard the term "CMA" thrown around. But what exactly does it mean, and why is it so important? A Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) is one of the most valuable tools in real estate – and understanding it could be the difference between pricing your home perfectly or leaving money on the table.
What is a CMA and Why Every Seller Needs One
What is a CMA?
A Comparative Market Analysis is a detailed report that estimates your home's current market value by comparing it to similar properties that have recently sold, are currently for sale, or were listed but didn't sell in your area.
Think of it as your home's “market snapshot” – a real-time picture of how it stacks up against the competition.
Unlike an automated online estimate, a CMA considers the unique features of your property, local market conditions, and recent trends that only a trained professional can properly evaluate. It's not just about square footage and bedrooms – it's about understanding what buyers are actually willing to pay for homes like yours right now.
The Three Types of Properties in a CMA
A comprehensive CMA examines three categories of comparable properties, or "comps":
- Sold Properties (typically within the last 3-6 months) show what buyers have actually paid for similar homes. These are the most important because they represent real market transactions, not just asking prices.- Active Listings reveal your current competition. These properties are what buyers will compare your home against when you list it for sale.
- Expired or Withdrawn Listings provide valuable lessons about what doesn't work. Overpricing, poor presentation, or unfortunate timing may have caused these listings to fail – and you can learn from them.
Why Every Seller Needs a CMA
Pricing your home correctly from the start is crucial in any market. An overpriced home tends to sit – and the longer it sits, the more buyers assume something is wrong. This often leads to price reductions and ultimately a lower final sale price.
On the other hand, underpricing means leaving equity on the table that took years to build. A well-prepared CMA helps you find the pricing “sweet spot” – where your home attracts strong buyer interest while maximizing your return.
Beyond Just Price
A good CMA offers more than just a suggested listing price. It can reveal market trends in your neighborhood, highlight which features buyers value most, and suggest improvements that could increase your home's appeal. You might discover that homes with updated kitchens are selling for significantly more, or that properties with certain layouts are moving faster.
The Professional Advantage
A true CMA combines data with expertise. It accounts for:
-Your home’s condition and improvements
-Local market dynamics
-Seasonal effects on pricing
-Buyer expectations in your specific area
-Style, layout, and intangible property characteristics
This blend of analytics + real-world insight is something no algorithm can replicate.
When You’re Ready to Sell
A CMA is the first step toward a smart, confident sale – and it’s something I provide as part of my service. If you're curious about your home’s current value, want a clearer understanding of your neighborhood's trends, or simply want to plan ahead, I’d be happy to prepare a personalized CMA for you.
Forgotten Rooms: Creative Ways to Use Those Awkward Spaces in Your Home
Every home has them – the nooks we ignore, the corners we rush past, the rooms that never quite found their purpose. They often end up catching clutter instead of contributing to how you live.
But here’s the good news: those “awkward” spaces usually hold the most untapped potential. Here are a few inspired ways to make those forgotten spaces truly shine this year.
Corners: The “Micro Zones” That Do Big Work
Corners are rarely used well, but they can be some of the most valuable square feet in the house:- A Corner Charging Station: A small floating shelf and a cord organizer gives devices a home that isn’t your kitchen counter.
- A Plant Tower: Tall shelving + trailing greenery = an instant architectural feature.
- A Corner Bar: A slim bar cart or floating shelves turn dead space into a festive, functional feature.The key is giving the corner a job. Once it has purpose, it stops being awkward.
Those Narrow, “Too-Small-to-Be-a-Bedroom” Rooms
These rooms can shine when you stop trying to make them something they’re not. Try transforming yours into:
- A Morning Room: A calm spot for coffee, journaling, yoga, or simply a quiet reset.- A Smart Storage Studio: Floor-to-ceiling shelving turns an odd room into a beautifully organized home archive.
- A Hobby Lab: Sewing, crafting, music, puzzles – all the things that get lost in bigger rooms.
Closets With Hidden Potential
Large closets can become truly useful micro-spaces with just a few tweaks:
- A Productivity Pod: A small desk, sconce, and cork board create a focused work zone (minus the household distractions).- A Vanity or Dressing Corner: Perfect lighting and a mirror turn a closet into a morning ritual space.
- A Mini Library: Wall-mounted shelves + a soft chair = a quiet reading retreat.
Closets are easy to overlook – but they’re also some of the easiest spaces to reinvent.
The Takeaway: Awkward Spaces Are Only Awkward Until They’re Not
And if you're ever curious about which small upgrades can add value or simply make your home work better for the way you live, I’m always here to offer guidance. Seeing potential in every corner of a home is what I do best.
Under the Stairs
Instead of letting this tricky wedge become a catch-all zone, consider one of these unexpected upgrades:
- A Built-In Coffee Bar: Floating shelves, a compact countertop, and even a small fridge drawer can turn this spot into a stylish morning hub.- A Pet Retreat: Built-in beds and storage for leashes, treats, and toys create a cozy, dedicated zone for furry family members.
- Hidden Storage Drawers: Ideal for shoes, seasonal items, or sports gear – and they keep clutter out of sight.
QUESTIONS? VISIT www.stephaniemccarthyhomes.com
Lavish Realty
Stephanie McCarthy Broker/Owner
Designated Realtor
D: 781.244.0163
O: 978.775.3177
www.lavishrealty.homes
info@stephaniemccarthyhomes.com
www.stephaniemccarthyhomes.com

