How a Home Valuation Is Performed
A clear, step-by-step look at how the Dan Firks Team evaluates homes across Naperville.
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Neighborhood Review
Comparative Market Analysis
The process begins with a quick review of your neighborhood, recent sales, current competition, and micro-market behavior. Naperville’s neighborhoods vary widely in price trends, school districts, lot sizes, and buyer demand, so this first look helps us understand where your home sits in the local landscape.
Comparative Market Analysis (CMA)
A CMA is the core tool real estate professionals use to estimate a home's value. The Dan Firks Team reviews recently sold homes in Naperville that match your property’s size, condition, location, and features.
How we do it
- Select 3–6 comparable properties within the closest possible radius
- Analyze price per square foot, time on market, upgrades, and lot characteristics
- Adjust each comparable home’s value to reflect differences from yours
- Produce a recommended pricing range based on current buyer activity
Comparative Market Analysis.
Property Walkthrough
In-Person Home Evaluation
A member of the Dan Firks Team walks through your home to understand condition, layout, materials, natural light, and upgrade history. This allows us to adjust the CMA with firsthand observations rather than relying solely on public data.
What we look at
- Interior and exterior condition
- Recent updates
- Mechanical systems
- Curb appeal
- Floorplan flow
- Features with high buyer demand in Naperville
Optional Professional Appraisal
If a lender requires it or if you want a formal valuation, a licensed appraiser performs a neutral assessment. Appraisals are common during refinances and buyer-financed transactions.
What the appraiser does
- Full interior and exterior inspection
- Verification of square footage
- Analysis of recent comparable sales
- Detailed written report with photos, maps, and calculations
Professional Appraisal
Valuation Report & Strategy
Your Personalized Valuation Report
- A realistic price range for your home
- A breakdown of the comparable properties used
- A list of small improvements that could increase value
- A forecast of buyer demand in your specific neighborhood
- A recommended pricing strategy if you plan to sell
Why Valuations Matter for Naperville Homeowners
As a discerning buyer or seller, you deserve personalized service and unparalleled market knowledge. Dan Firks, a certified Global Luxury Real Estate Agent, leads our team with 28 years of expertise in high-end transactions.
Reason 1: Refinancing
Lenders base loan amounts on your property value. A current valuation helps you understand your equity and whether a refinance could improve your monthly payment or loan terms.
Reason 2: Home Improvements
Before investing in updates, it's helpful to understand your home’s position in the Naperville market. A valuation helps determine whether improvements add value or risk overpricing your home for the neighborhood.
Reason 3: Qualifying for a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)
Lenders typically require at least 20 percent equity. An updated valuation tells you whether you qualify and how much you can potentially borrow.
Reason 4: Long-Term Planning
Even when you’re not planning to move, knowing your home’s value prepares you for future decisions, unexpected expenses, or opportunities that may require fast access to equity.
Connect with Naperville.com & The Dan Firks Team
Have questions or need assistance about Naperville? Get in touch with The Dan Firks Team, your trusted guide to all things Naperville and real estate. At Naperville.com, we're dedicated to serving the community.
Phone
(630) 637-9009
info@naperville.com