Understanding the Real Numbers Before You List
If you are a homeowner in Livingston County, Brighton, Howell, or South Lyon, you have probably wondered, “How much is my home really worth?” With so many online tools giving different answers, it can be confusing to know where to start. The truth is that every home has a data story and a local story ~ and the combination of the two tells the real value.
Why Online Home Valuations Miss the Bigger Picture of Your Property’s Value
Online valuation tools pull regional averages and outdated tax data. They cannot see your finished basement, new roof, pole barn, or the way your home sits perfectly on that tree-lined lot. Those details can change your value by tens of thousands of dollars. A professional comparative market analysis (CMA) looks beyond algorithms and compares your actual home to recent closed sales, active competition, and buyer behavior in your specific area.
What Really Determines your Home’s Value
- Location: school district, commute routes, lake access, and community amenities.
- Condition: updates, mechanicals, layout, and staging presentation.
- Market activity: number of similar homes listed, days on market, and seasonal timing.
- Buyer motivation: interest rate trends and local employment stability.
The Livingston County market has remained strong through most of 2025, with buyers prioritizing homes that are updated and move-in ready.
Local Examples from Livingston County
- Brighton: Homes near the lakes and downtown amenities often sell 5–10 percent higher than average due to demand and lifestyle appeal.
- Howell: Ranch-style homes on acreage remain sought after, especially those with pole barns or finished basements.
- South Lyon and Hartland: Well-staged family homes in neighborhood settings continue to see multiple-offer activity when priced correctly.
The 3-step Value Review to Use Before Listing on the Real Estate Market
- In-person visit or virtual walk-through – noting improvements and features unseen online.
- Customized CMA report – side-by-side comparison of similar active, pending, and sold homes.
- Pricing strategy discussion – deciding how to position your home to attract strong offers quickly.
This process gives you a realistic number and the confidence to list strategically rather than guessing.
How to Get your Personalized Home Value Report
You can request a free, no-pressure market evaluation from The Tina Peterson Team – Real Estate One.
We will provide a detailed report showing what buyers are paying right now in Livingston County and how your home compares. Please contact us today by calling 734-306-5964 or filling out the easy-to-use contact form. We look forward to hearing from you.