The Best Comparative Market Analysis Tools for Beginner Investors (2024)

Making money in real estate is only possible if it is the right property in the right location. To find this real estate investment, you need to conduct various types of analysis.Comparative market analysis is just one type that you’ll have to carry out as a beginner real estate investor buying an investment property.

Comparative Market Analysis Tool: The Basics

Comparative market analysis (CMA), also referred to as real estate market analysis, is a process whereby the value of an investment property is determined by comparing it to other similar investment properties that were sold recently in the same housing market or location. The property value is determined based on market research, using a range of real estate comps.

Whether you are buying or selling an income property, comparative market analysis tools can be useful in finding out how much it is worth. Knowing property value is important to sellers since it helps them ensure that they don’t price an income property too high or too low. If the price is too high, they might not find a buyer while if it is too low, they might miss out on a good return on investment. For buyer’s, knowing an investment property’s value will help them avoid overpaying and missing out on better investments.

Every real estate investor should have a good understanding of comparative market analysis and comparative market analysis tools. Use of the traditional method in conducting comparative market analysis can be a long and tedious process. However, with the help of comparative market analysis tools, the process can be accurately completed within a few minutes. Here are some of the best comparative market analysis tools for a beginner real estate investor:

1.Investment Property Calculator

The first real step of a CMA is investment property analysis. Naturally, before finding similar investment properties, you need to know all the details about the income property of your choice. You’ll want to find both the qualitative (bedrooms, bathrooms, square footage, etc.) and the quantitative factors (cash on cash return, cap rate, etc.). The real estate listing should have thequalitative factors but you’ll need a real estate tool to find the rest.

There are several real estate metrics that investors need to have to properly analyze investment properties. These metrics help to find the potential of a property in terms of generating positive cash flow and high returns. Performing a thorough investment property analysis will help you find all the necessary values. Note that investment property analysis needs to be performed on your target income property and real estate comps for the most accurate results.

Collection of real estate data and analysis of different properties in different housing markets is a lot of work. It will definitely take a lot of your time, money and energy. One of the best comparative market analysis tools that will help you with this task is Mashvisor’s investment property calculator. Thisreal estate investment toolhelps a real estate investor find investment properties that have good cash on cash return, cap rate, rental income, and even estimates the rental expenses for you.

In terms of CMA, the investment property calculator provides ready-to-go real estate comps for every property listing on the platform. So rather than going through investment properties for sale manually and adding them to an endless analysis spreadsheet, you get all of this information at the click of a button.

Real Estate Comps Provided by Mashvisor’s Investment Property Calculator

To start your 14-day free trial with Mashvisor and subscribe to our services with a 20% discount after, clickhere.

2. A Real Estate Agent

Finding and analyzing investment properties can be bumpy for beginner investors. That is why it makes sense to seek the help of a qualified professional who can guide you. A good real estate agent can perform numerous roles in the purchase of an investment property. They will take the time to understand what you need, your preferences, and budget. They will then help you narrow down your search to find the right investment property at the right price.

A real estate agent is one of the best comparative market analysis tools you need to have. An experienced real estate agent will perform a thorough CMA if you don’t wish to use the tools to do it yourself. He/she will provide you with data on the local housing market and comparable sales. This could include detailed information about property prices, demographics, current market conditions, infrastructure, amenities, and crime statistics. They can help you compare and pick the right property for you.

It is important to find a professional real estate agent that you trust and whom you feel comfortable working with. Mashvisor can help you easily and quickly connect with real estate agents in your target market all over the United States. You simply have to select the real estate market of your choice and find experienced real estate agents to help you in comparative market analysis.

Or you could book an appointment and our team can help you get connected with a real estate agent.

The Bottom Line

Real estate investing is a very competitive business. Successful real estate investors are those that use the best comparative market analysis tools. With these tools, anyone can quickly perform a comparative market analysis to find the best performing investment properties in the best locations.

Start Your Investment Property Search!

The Best Comparative Market Analysis Tools for Beginner Investors (2024)

FAQs

Can I do my own comparative market analysis? ›

Real estate agents and brokers create CMA reports to help sellers set listing prices for their homes and help buyers make competitive offers. In addition, you can perform your own comparative market analysis by researching comparable properties (known as "comps") on real estate listing sites, such as realtor.com.

Who typically prepares a comparative market analysis? ›

The analysis is usually put together by a real estate agent or broker — typically the seller's agent, who prepares it to help determine how much a home's asking price should be. Unlike a home appraisal, which is done by a professional appraiser, a CMA is typically a more informal look at the overall market.

What is the best CMA software for realtors? ›

Real Estate CMA Software
  • MoxiPresent. 5.0. (2) CMAs and Presentations that make clients say yes. ...
  • kvCORE. 4.5. (526) The Smarter Broker Alternative - Ranked #1 by 250K Agents. ...
  • TOP PRODUCER. 3.9. (274) All-in-one real estate CRM. ...
  • Netty. 4.5. (78) ...
  • Realtair. 4.5. (37) ...
  • iHomefinder. 4.4. (34) ...
  • Elevate. 4.3. (8) ...
  • Property Advisor. 5.0. (4)

What is a comparative market analysis for my home? ›

A Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) is an in-depth report on a home's current value. It's prepared by real estate professionals by examining the sale prices of similar properties in the area. It tells homeowners what their home is worth in the current market, and helps homebuyers purchase at good value.

How to do a simple comparative analysis? ›

There are two main approaches to organizing a comparative analysis:
  1. Alternating (point-by-point) method: Find similar points between each subject and alternate writing about each of them.
  2. Block (subject-by-subject) method: Discuss all of the first subject and then all of the second.
Sep 6, 2023

How do you Analyse market for beginners? ›

This section covers six main steps of market analysis, including the purpose of each step and questions to guide your research and reflections.
  1. Research your industry. ...
  2. Investigate the competitive landscape. ...
  3. Identify market gaps. ...
  4. Define your target market. ...
  5. Identify barriers to entry. ...
  6. Create a sales forecast.
Feb 8, 2024

How much should a market analysis cost? ›

The market research cost breakdown depends on – among other factors – the intended audience, sample size and style of research. Based on these variables, companies can expect to allocate a budget of anywhere from US$ 20,000 – US$ 50,000 for primary market research.

How to properly do a CMA? ›

How to Conduct a Comparative Market Analysis?
  1. Analyze the Listing. Beginning a CMA starts with checking out the neighborhood. ...
  2. Use an MLS to Find Comparable Properties in the Area. ...
  3. Compare Properties. ...
  4. Adjust the Value of Your Listing. ...
  5. Set a Listing Price. ...
  6. Seller's Agent. ...
  7. Buyer's Agent.

Which platform is best for CMA? ›

HOCK stream is a video subscription platform that includes CMA videos in various styles (step-by-step courses, theory lessons, MCQs, essays, study tips, etc.) along with Live Office Hours, where CMA candidates can interact with instructors and each other.

What is the best CMA? ›

The Best CMA Exam Prep Courses of 2024
  • Best Overall: Gleim.
  • Best Test Bank: Wiley Efficient Learning.
  • Best Value: Hock International.
  • Best for CMA Coaching: CMA Exam Academy.
  • Best for Efficiency: Surgent.
  • Best Guarantee: Powers Resources Corporation.

Is Cloud CMA free for realtors? ›

A comparative market analysis is one of the most important tools you have as a real estate professional, which is why we've chosen the leading reporting tool in the industry, Cloud CMA, as a free member benefit.

For what do real estate professionals use a comparative market analysis? ›

Real estate professionals use a comparative market analysis to estimate the value of their client's home by comparing recently sold properties that have similar locations, square footage and features. The CMA report is typically created to help sellers establish asking prices for their homes.

How accurate are comparative market analysis? ›

While no one can claim that real estate CMAs are unfailingly accurate, they offer thorough insight to sellers, buyers, and real estate agents. An agent-prepared comparative market analysis certainly provides more precision than the market value estimations from most home value estimators (like Zillow).

What is the secret to a fast sale of a property? ›

One of the most effective ways to sell your home fast is to price it competitively. If you price it too high, you detract prospective buyers and price out potential bidders. In addition, it may take longer to settle the negotiation process if prospective buyers want your price to come down.

How do I do a CMA on MLS? ›

Seven Steps for Creating a Useful CMA
  1. STEP ONE: Itemize your listing's strengths and weaknesses. ...
  2. STEP TWO: Piece together the home's story. ...
  3. STEP THREE: Determine appropriate comps. ...
  4. STEP FOUR: Evaluate the true benefit of your listing's features. ...
  5. STEP FIVE: Explain the impact of property customization.
Feb 2, 2022

How do I do my own market research? ›

How to do a market research: the steps
  1. Define buyer personas. ...
  2. Identify a group of personas to engage. ...
  3. Prepare questions for participants. ...
  4. List your main competitors. ...
  5. Summarize your findings. ...
  6. Tell a story. ...
  7. Choose technologies that automate and simplify data acquisition, communication, and sharing processes.
May 12, 2022

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