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Seller's Guide · Pricing Strategy

What a CMA Actually Compares

A proper comparative market analysis is the real basis for your list price — here's exactly what goes into one, and why a per-square-foot guess isn't the same thing.

HOW IT'S BUILT

Building a Real CMA, Step by Step

1

Pull recent comparable sales

Homes genuinely similar to yours — same area, property type, and condition — that sold in the last 3–6 months, not just anything nearby.

2

Review active and expired competition

What's currently listed (and what didn't sell) shows exactly what buyers are comparing your home against right now.

3

Adjust for real differences

Lot size, upgrades, parking, and condition all shift a comp's value up or down — a proper CMA adjusts for these, not just averages raw sale prices.

4

Factor in absorption rate

How fast homes are selling in your specific area and price range signals whether to price competitively or hold firm.

WHAT GOES INTO IT

The Four Inputs That Set Your Price

Recent Comparable Sales

Actual closed sales within the last few months — the single strongest signal of what buyers are really willing to pay.

Active Competition

What else is currently on the market in your area and price range — your home won't sell in isolation from it.

Expired & Withdrawn Listings

Homes that didn't sell reveal pricing mistakes worth avoiding — often overpriced relative to what the market actually bore.

Absorption Rate

The ratio of active listings to recent sales pace — tells you whether it's a buyer's, seller's, or balanced market right now.

SEE IT IN ACTION

Real Comparable Listings Right Now

This is the same live MLS data a CMA draws from — pull up what's actually active in your area to get a feel for your own competition.

Click any listing for full details. This shows live active listings, not sold data.

What's a fair asking price for a home like mine in Ottawa? How does absorption rate affect how fast homes sell?
GOOD TO KNOW

Common Questions

Is a CMA the same as an official appraisal?
No — an appraisal is a formal, licensed valuation typically ordered by a lender. A CMA is a REALTOR®'s market-based pricing analysis, usually free, and is what most sellers actually use to set a list price.
Where can I see official Ottawa market statistics myself?
The Ottawa Real Estate Board publishes monthly market activity reports — sales volume, average price, and inventory levels for the region.
OREB market statistics & news releases →
What's the MLS® Home Price Index (HPI)?
CREA's national benchmark tool for tracking home price trends over time across local markets, including Ottawa.
CREA — MLS® HPI Tool →
How often should a CMA be updated?
Market conditions shift — if your home hasn't sold within a few weeks of listing, an updated CMA can show whether the price needs adjusting or the market itself has moved. Ask HAI or Narges for a refreshed read at any point.

Ready for a Real CMA on Your Home?

Book a free, no-obligation home evaluation with Narges — a genuine comparative market analysis, not a per-square-foot guess.

Royal LePage Team Realty, Independently Owned and Operated, Brokerage
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