What is a CMA?

If you're thinking about selling your Bear Lake property or you're just curious what it's worth, a Comparative Market Analysis is where you start. This isn't a Zillow estimate or some automated algorithm that doesn't understand vacation rental markets. A real CMA is a detailed evaluation done by someone who knows Bear Lake, understands what buyers are looking for, and can account for the factors that actually move the needle on property values here. (Me!) Online tools might tell you square footage and recent sales, but they miss everything that makes your property unique and marketable.

When I put together a CMA for a Bear Lake property, I'm looking at recent comparable sales and I'm also digging into rental income history if it's an investment property.  I'm analyzing current listings to see what your competition looks like and whether the market is favoring buyers or sellers right now. I'm also factoring in things like HOA quality, road access during winter, proximity to activities, and whether your property appeals to families, couples, or large groups. All of that context matters when determining what your property is actually worth and how to position it.

The goal isn't just to give you a number, but rather to give you a strategy. A solid CMA helps you price competitively from day one, which means you attract serious buyers faster and avoid sitting on the market with multiple price drops. It also prepares you for what buyers and their agents are going to focus on during showings and negotiations. If there are issues that could hurt your value, we address them upfront. If there are features that set your property apart, we leverage those in the listing and marketing.

The best time to get a CMA is before you list, but it's also helpful if you're just exploring your options or planning ahead for a future sale. There's no pressure and no obligation. It's a straightforward look at what your Bear Lake property is worth based on real data, local market knowledge, and years of experience with vacation rentals and investment properties. If you want to know where you stand, give me a call!