How do I create a Sales Comparison Analysis (CMA)?

The Sales Comparison Analysis is an advanced, detailed analysis similar to what an appraiser would create. You can make precise value adjustments and weight your comps. Our 5-step wizard takes you through each step where you will confirm the property facts, find comps, make adjustments, review your result, and create a Valuation Workbook.

We offer two CMAs, this article is about our Sales Comparison Analysis that is an appraisal style CMA that allows for greater adjustments and the ability to weight your comps. For information about our standard workflow CMA with simple adjustment options, see How do I create a CMA?

How to Access

Click the Create CMA button, on the Property Summary to be taken to our five-step wizard.

Add Known Property

Is there a specific comp you would like to use? In Step 2, you can enter an address or MLS ID in the Add a known property field.

Omit RVM® or AVM

Would you like to omit the RVM® or AVM? Put a checkmark next to “Suppress estimated value for subject property”on the Report page.

Valuation Workbook

Your Sales Comparison Analysis can be included in the Valuation Workbook.

How is the Sales Comparison Analysis Result calculated?

  • It starts with the comp’s value (sold price, list price, estimated value, etc).

  • Any adjustments are directly added or subtracted from the comp’s value.

  • The value of each comp is multiplied by its given weighted percentage.

  • The result is a total of the weighted comp values.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Click on the tabs below to see step-by-step instructions.

Access

To access the Sales Comparison Analysis, go to the Property Summary and click the Create CMA button.

5-Step Wizard

You will land on our 5-Step Wizard page where you will review the property facts, find comps, make adjustments, and create a report. Some steps are unclickable until you complete the previous step.

Step 1

Confirm Facts

  • Important: Find Select Analysis Type and select the circle next to Sales Comparison Analysis.

  • Select the Confirm Facts button.

Your Changes

  • Review the property facts and make any needed updates in the Your Changes column. 

  • The asterisks indicate the property facts used to pull the comps. If any of these facts are missing, you will need to add a value in the Your Changes column. 

  • The lower half of the page contains fields that are rarely present in public or listing data. To create this appraisal analysis, enter values or choose from the drop-down menus to fill these fields. 

  • Click the Confirm Facts and Close button.

Step 2

Find Comps

Click the Find Comps button.

Apply Filters and Search

  • Select the filters that you would like to use from the panel on the left side of your screen.

  • Click into a  field to enter a number, date, or to choose from a drop-down menu.

  • Some fields populate with defaults based on the subject property, but there must be a checkmark in the box next to the item to apply the filter.

  • The search occurs within the area shown on the map.

  • Click the search button when you are finished apply filters.

Search using the Map

  • You can also use the map to find comps. Click the + or – sign to zoom in or out of the map to increase or decrease your search area.

  • You can search within an area that you have previously saved.  Choose an area from the Use a custom area drop-down menu.

  • Or search within a geography, like a neighborhood or a school attendance zone. Make a choice from the Use a geography drop-down menu.

  • Click the Search button when you are finished.

Choose Comps

  • Click the box next Add to Comps List to select a comp. The comp will appear in the panel on the right side of your screen.

  • Select a comp property’s address to open its Property Summary to see the comp property’s RVM®/AVM, property facts, listing photos etc.

  • Comps with a blue star indicate properties that were used in calculating the subject property’s RVM® or AVM.

Add a Known Property

  • Would you like to add a known property as a comp? Scroll to the top of the page and select Add a known property.

  • Enter an address or MLS ID (one at a time) in the field provided.

  • Click the Add button. The comp will be added to the panel on the right side of your screen.

Update Valuation and Close

Click the Update Valuation and Close button when you are finished.

Adjust Comps

Click the Adjust Comps button.

Make Adjustments

  • Compare the features of the comp properties to the features of the subject property.

  • Make dollar amount adjustments per your comparison.

  • Aim to make the comps equal to the subject property. If a comp has superior features, enter a negative number. If a comp has lesser features, enter a positive number.

Weight Comps

Edit

Locate Comp Weighting at the bottom of the page (beneath each comp column). Click any one of the Edit links to weight all comps.

REALTOR® Weight

  • Weight your comps by applying a percentage based on how similar the comp property is to the subject property.

  • If you had to make a lot of adjustments to a comp property, it should be given a lower percentage.

  • The more alike the comp is to the subject property, the higher the property should be weighted (give it a higher percentage).

  • Total Weighting must equal 100%.

Auto Weight

If you do not want to weight your comps yourself, you can click Auto weight. The system will weight your comps for you taking into consideration the adjustments that you have made.

Weight Equally

You can also choose to click Weight Equally to have the system weight all the comps the same.

Step 4

Review Result

Review the result of your analysis. Click Edit if you want to edit the result or range (e.g. round up or narrow range). Click the Save button when finished.

Edit

Step 5

Valuation Workbook

Click Create Report button to generate a Valuation Workbook.

Frequently Asked Questions

Click on the links below

Appraisers must follow standardized “condition” and “quality” ratings within their appraisal report. The quality ratings are as follows:

Quality Ratings

Q1: Dwellings with this quality rating are usually unique structures that are individually designed by an architect for a specified use. Such residences typically are constructed from detailed architectural plans and specifications and feature an exceptionally high level of workmanship and exceptionally high-grade materials throughout the interior and exterior of the structure. The design features exceptionally high-quality exterior refinements and ornamentation, and exceptionally high-quality interior refinements. The workmanship, materials, and finishes throughout the dwelling are exceptionally high quality.

Q2: Dwellings with this quality rating are often custom designed for construction on an individual property owner’s site. However, dwellings in this quality grade are also found i high-quality tract developments featuring residences constructed from individual plans or from highly modified or upgraded plans. The design features detailed, high-quality exterior ornamentation, high-quality interior refinements, and detail. The workmanship, materials, and finishes throughout the dwelling are of exceptionally high quality.

Q3: Dwellings with this quality rating are residences of higher quality built from individual or readily available designer plans in above-standard residential tract developments or on an individual property owner’s site. The design includes significant exterior ornamentation and interiors that are well finished. The workmanship exceeds acceptable standards and many materials and finishes throughout the dwelling have been upgraded from “stock” standards.

Q4: Dwellings with this quality meet or exceed the requirements of applicable building codes. Standard or modified standard building plans are utilized and the design includes adequate fenestration and some exterior ornamentation and interior refinements. Materials, workmanship, finish, and equipment are of stock or builder grade and may feature some upgrades.

Q5: Dwellings with this quality rating feature economy of construction and basic functionality as main considerations. Such dwellings feature a plain design using readily available or basic floor plans featuring minimal fenestration and basic finishes with minimal exterior ornamentation and limited interior detail. These dwellings meet minimum building codes and are constructed with inexpensive stock materials with limited refinements and upgrades.

Q6: Dwellings with this quality rating are of basic quality and lower cost; some may not be suitable for year-round occupancy. Such dwellings are often built with simple plans or without plans, often utilizing the lowest quality building materials. Such dwellings are often built or expanded by persons who are professionally unskilled or possess only minimal construction skills. Electrical, plumbing, and other mechanical systems and equipment may be minimal or non-existent. Older dwellings may feature one or more substandard non-conforming additions to the original structure.

Also note that in UAD format, bathrooms are denoted as 1.1, 2.1, 3.2, etc., where the whole number is the number of full baths and the decimal indicates half (or partial) baths. A house with 2.1 baths has two full and one half bath.

Appraisers must follow standardized “condition” and “quality” ratings within their appraisal report. The condition ratings are as follows:

Condition Ratings

C1: The improvements have been very recently constructed and have not previously been occupied. The entire structure and all components are new and the dwelling features no physical depreciation.

C2: The improvements feature no deferred maintenance, little or no physical depreciation, and require no repairs. Virtually all building components are new or have been recently repaired, refinished, or rehabilitated. All outdated components and finishes have been updated and/or replaced with components that meet current standards. Dwellings in this category either are almost new or have been recently completely renovated and are similar in condition to new construction.

C3: The improvements are well maintained and feature limited physical depreciation due to normal wear and tear. Some components, but not every major building component, may be updated or recently rehabilitated. The structure has been well maintained.

C4: The improvements feature some minor deferred maintenance and are in need of some significant repairs. Some building components have been adequately maintained and are functionally adequate.

C5: The improvements feature obvious deferred maintenance and are in need of some significant repairs. Some building components need repairs, rehabilitation, or updating. The functional utility and overall livability is somewhat diminished due to condition, but the dwelling remains useable and functional as a residence.

C6: The improvements have substantial damage or deferred maintenance with deficiencies or defects that are severe enough to affect the safety, soundness, or structural integrity of the improvements. The improvements are in need of substantial repairs and rehabilitation, including man or most major components.

The low end of the range is the lowest valued comp, and the high end is the highest valued comp.

Need Help?

If you need additional assistance, contact RPR Member Support at (877) 977-7576 or open a Live Chat from any page of the website.

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