If you are planning to sell your home in St. Charles County, one of the first questions you will face is: How much is my home worth? Many real estate agents provide a CMA (Comparative Market Analysis) to help guide pricing, and while CMAs are helpful, they are ultimately an estimate.
A certified pre-listing appraisal, however, provides a much stronger foundation for your pricing strategy. Not only does it establish a defensible, state-licensed valuation, but it also prevents surprises later in the selling process when the buyer’s lender orders their appraisal.
At 24 Hour Appraisal Group, Jacob Geringer provides certified appraisals that complement your agent’s CMA, giving you the confidence of accurate pricing and the ability to attract serious buyers quickly.
Many homeowners assume a CMA and appraisal are interchangeable, but there are critical differences.
Comparative Market Analysis (CMA): A CMA is created by a real estate agent. It uses recent comparable sales, local listings, and market knowledge to estimate a home’s value. While useful for establishing a price range, it is not legally binding or recognized by lenders, attorneys, or courts.
Certified Pre-Listing Appraisal: An appraisal is conducted by a state-licensed appraiser. It provides a certified, unbiased valuation that is accepted by banks, attorneys, and courts. It is far more detailed than a CMA, incorporating property condition, upgrades, location factors, and market trends. Most importantly, it delivers a defensible market value that stands up in negotiations.
A pre-listing appraisal offers several advantages that go beyond a CMA:
Set the Right Price: Overpricing can cause your listing to sit on the market, while underpricing means leaving money behind. An appraisal provides an accurate middle ground.
Attract Confident Buyers: Buyers trust homes with certified valuations. It shows that the seller has taken steps to ensure fair pricing.
Prevent Delays: When a buyer applies for financing, their lender will order an appraisal. If the lender’s appraisal comes in lower than the agreed purchase price, the sale may fall through. Having a pre-listing appraisal reduces this risk.
Sell Faster: Homes priced accurately tend to generate stronger interest, shorter listing times, and competitive offers.
An appraisal does more than give you a single price point. It provides context and data that strengthen your position as a seller:
Property-Specific Adjustments: Unlike CMAs, appraisals account for upgrades, renovations, and condition.
Neighborhood Trends: Appraisers factor in school districts, zoning, and local economic conditions.
Defensibility: A certified appraisal can be used in disputes, divorce cases, or estate settlements if needed.
This level of detail ensures your pricing isn’t just competitive—it’s accurate, defendable, and recognized by all parties involved.
A family in St. Charles listed their home at $310,000 after receiving a CMA from their agent. While this seemed reasonable, they wanted certainty before putting their home on the market. They ordered a pre-listing appraisal from Jacob.
Jacob’s report valued the property at $328,000, highlighting several improvements that the CMA overlooked. The family relisted at the higher price, and within ten days, they secured a buyer. Not only did they sell faster, but they also netted nearly $18,000 more than they would have without the appraisal.
Q: Do I still need a CMA if I order a pre-listing appraisal? Yes. A CMA provides market context and helps you see where your property fits against current listings. A pre-listing appraisal adds certified valuation to that strategy. Together, they create the strongest pricing approach.
Q: Are pre-listing appraisals expensive? The cost is minor compared to the potential gains. In many cases, sellers recoup the cost many times over by avoiding underpricing or failed contracts.
Q: Will buyers accept an appraisal from the seller? While buyers still need their lender’s appraisal, a pre-listing appraisal builds confidence, reduces negotiation disputes, and prevents surprises later in the process.
Q: Can an appraisal help in a slow market? Yes. In slower markets, buyers are cautious. A certified appraisal reassures them that your asking price is justified.
When accuracy and strategy matter most, sellers in St. Charles turn to Jacob Geringer for his unique expertise.
Certified Residential Appraiser (Missouri)
Licensed Broker with MarketPoint Realty
25+ years of St. Charles and St. Louis market expertise
Reports designed to complement—not compete with—your Realtor’s CMA
Fast turnaround times, typically within 24–72 hours
Jacob’s rare combination of appraisal and brokerage experience bridges the gap between valuation and sales strategy. Sellers benefit from data-driven pricing and a smoother selling process.
When preparing to sell your home, pricing it correctly is one of the most important decisions you will make. While CMAs are helpful, they are not enough to protect you from risks like overpricing, underpricing, or failed contracts.
A certified pre-listing appraisal gives you a defensible, accurate valuation that buyers, lenders, and attorneys can trust. Combined with your Realtor’s marketing expertise, it creates the strongest foundation for a successful home sale.
Thinking of selling? Get a certified pre-listing appraisal before you list. Call (314) 570-6794 today and let Jacob guide you toward a confident, data-driven sale.
Jacob Geringer is the President of 24 Hour Appraisal Group and Broker of MarketPoint Realty. A Missouri Certified Residential Appraiser, FHA-Approved Appraiser, Licensed Broker, and Investor, Jacob has more than 25 years of experience serving the St. Louis and St. Charles metro areas. His rare dual perspective helps sellers make smart renovation and pricing decisions backed by accurate, defensible valuations.