Home Values in Boise: How to Maximize Your Sale

How to get a home value estimate

There are several tools available to help you calculate your Boise home’s value, each offering varying levels of detail. Whatever your specific needs — whether you want to determine your net proceeds or set an appropriate list price — we’ll introduce you to your options below.

Use an online home value estimator

One of the quickest and easiest ways to get a rough estimate without the help of a professional is by using an online home value estimator, like HomeLight’s. These accessible tools pull data from various sources, including public county records, tax assessor data, MLS listings, and user-submitted information, to generate a ballpark estimate. HomeLight’s estimator goes a step further by asking seven tailored questions about your property, providing a more personalized and reliable figure. In just a few minutes, you’ll receive a preliminary value to serve as a helpful starting point in your home-selling journey.

Request a comparative market analysis

While an online home value estimator provides a good ballpark figure, you can receive a more accurate value by requesting a comparative market analysis (CMA) from a local Boise real estate agent.

A CMA provides an in-depth analysis by comparing your property with similar homes recently sold in your area. It takes into account factors like the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, square footage, home age, location, and recent upgrades. It also recognizes your home’s proximity to amenities and other key details that can impact its value.

CMA reports typically include charts, graphs, photos, and additional information to give you a comprehensive overview of your home’s worth. Many agents will provide a CMA for free, especially if you plan to list your home with them. This makes it a valuable tool for setting a realistic listing price that aligns with your true market value.

Get a pre-listing appraisal

In most cases, a comparative market analysis (CMA) from a top agent will give you a solid idea of what your home is worth. However, there are situations where a pre-listing appraisal might be necessary for the most accurate home valuation. This is particularly helpful if your property has unique features, is in a rural area with few comparable sales, or sits on a large plot of land. A professional appraisal can help ensure that you don’t run the risk of under- or overestimating your property’s value, which can lead to lower offers and stagnant days on market.

Keep in mind that a pre-listing appraisal will typically cost you between $450 and $550, with potentially higher fees for complex properties like luxury homes or horse farms. Even if you obtain a pre-listing appraisal, remember that if your buyer is financing the purchase, their lender will still require a separate appraisal to determine the loan amount.

How to increase the value of your Boise home

If you’re hoping to maximize the value of your Boise home as much as possible before listing, there are several strategies you can follow to boost its sale price. We’ll provide a brief overview of each below.

Curb appeal: First impressions matter! Enhancing your home’s curb appeal will help make a positive impact on buyers from the start. According to the National Association of Realtors, 92% of realtors recommend improving curb appeal before listing. Simple, low-budget tasks like mowing the lawn, adding fresh mulch, planting flowers, painting the front door, and installing outdoor lighting can make a significant difference.

Strategic updates: Prioritize the right strategic home improvements to get the best return on your investment. According to Zonda’s 2024 Cost vs. Value Report, replacing the garage door is one of the best improvements you can make, yielding an impressive 194% ROI. Other impactful upgrades include refinishing the floors, repainting interior walls, and upgrading faucets, lighting, and appliances in high-traffic areas like kitchens and bathrooms.

Necessary fixes: Addressing essential repairs, particularly those related to major systems like your roof, foundation, electrical, HVAC, or plumbing, can prevent negative outcomes during your home inspection. Tackling these problems upfront ensures your home is in top condition for buyers. However, it’s always wise to consult your real estate agent before taking on any costly or last-minute repairs that could delay a sale.

Decluttering and depersonalizing: Decluttering and depersonalizing your space can function to create a blank canvas for buyers, helping them better envision themselves in the home. One HomeLight survey found that decluttering can add $8,000 or more to your home’s sale price. Removing personal items (like family photos, religious symbols, or sports memorabilia) and clearing out excess furniture or junk can create a welcoming, spacious environment.

Deep cleaning: Buyers are often more willing to overlook minor flaws or imperfections when a home is spotless and fresh. According to a HomeLight survey, deep cleaning can add an average of $3,700 to your home’s value. To perform a deep clean of your home, focus on tasks like steam-cleaning carpets, scrubbing grout, and washing windows to brighten up spaces. Also, don’t overlook smaller or neglected areas that could be harboring secret dust and grime, like ceiling fans, range hoods, and vents.

Home staging: Now that your home is sparkling clean, show off its best features and attract buyers with thoughtful staging. Professionally staged homes can sell for up to 13% more than unstaged homes, according to HomeLight data.  Even if you don’t hire a professional, taking the time to create an aesthetically pleasing layout with modern furniture can help sway buyers. 67% of agents in our most recent Top Agent Insights report agreed that staging helps sell homes in the current market, and 31% even considered it “essential” for a home sale.

Unlock Your Equity and Buy Before You Sell

Through our Buy Before You Sell program, HomeLight can help you unlock a portion of your equity upfront to put toward your next home. You can then make a strong offer on your next home with no home sale contingency.

Get Started

How to buy before you sell in Boise

If you’ve found your next dream home in Boise but need to sell your current home first to provide the funds, HomeLight’s Buy Before You Sell (BBYS) program could be the perfect solution.

BBYS allows you to tap into your property’s equity to buy your new home first and sell your old home later, streamlining the homebuying process. If your home is eligible, this equity can be unlocked in as little as 24 hours, enabling you to make a strong, non-contingent offer on your new property with zero upfront fees. This process is designed so you can focus on settling in and enjoying your new place, rather than worrying about multiple moves or living in a staged home.

If you go with BBYS, HomeLight charges a flat fee of 2.4% of your current property’s sold price. If your house doesn’t sell within 90 days after closing on your new property, HomeLight will purchase it from you and continue working to sell it. Any profits from the sale, minus costs incurred by HomeLight, will be passed on to you.

Want to learn more about HomeLight’s Buy Before You Sell program? Check out the video below:

How to find a top agent in Boise

The key to maximizing your home’s sale price is working with a real estate agent who has a proven track record of success. HomeLight’s agent matching service is a free, easy way to connect with top agents in Boise. In just a few minutes, you will be matched with up to three highly qualified local agents based on their sales experience, specialties, and local expertise. These agents don’t pay to be featured, so you can trust that they are vetted professionals with experience selling homes for top dollar.

When choosing an agent, look for someone with a high sale-to-list ratio. This ratio, expressed as a percentage, reveals how close the final sale price of a home is to its original listing price. A high sale-to-list ratio indicates that an agent is highly skilled at pricing their listings accurately and achieving the best value for their clients.

Even if you come across an agent who seems good on paper, it’s wise to interview at least three before making a decision. To help evaluate an agent’s skill set, consider asking the questions like:

By leveraging HomeLight’s agent match tool and asking targeted questions, you’ll be well on your way to finding a local expert who can help you achieve the best possible outcome for your home sale.

Get a free preliminary home estimate today

Whether you’re hoping to sell soon or simply want to keep tabs on your largest financial asset, understanding your Boise home’s value is crucial for making informed decisions about your future plans. With HomeLight’s free home value estimator, you can grab a quick ballpark estimate in minutes and use it as an easy starting point.

HomeLight can also connect you with top Boise agents who can help you sell your home for its best price, or assist you in buying a new property before selling your current one. By staying on top of Boise market trends and taking advantage of these valuable tools, you’ll be well-equipped to maximize your home’s value.

Header Image Source: (knowlesgallery/DepositPhotos)