How Shaina determines the ideal listing price for Montgomery County sellers

How Shaina determines the ideal listing price for Montgomery County sellers

Setting the right list price is one of the most important decisions a Montgomery County seller makes. Price too high and the home can sit with few showings; price too low and you risk leaving money on the table. Shaina McAndrews uses a data-driven process to determine an ideal list price that attracts strong buyer interest while protecting seller equity.

Analyzing hyperlocal comparable sales

Shaina begins with a detailed review of comparable sales (“comps”) in the home’s immediate area, focusing on properties that match as closely as possible in size, age, condition, and amenities. She pays particular attention to homes that have sold in the last few months, since those reflect what buyers are actually willing to pay in the current market. This hyperlocal lens helps sellers see where their property fits within a realistic value range instead of relying on generic online estimates.

Adjusting for condition, features, and upgrades

Two homes can have the same square footage and still justify very different prices. Shaina walks through each property with the seller to account for updates, deferred maintenance, layout, and special features like finished basements, outdoor living spaces, or walkability. She then adjusts the value up or down relative to recent comps, creating a more accurate target that reflects the true appeal and condition of the home.

Reading real-time market trends

Pricing is not just about past sales; it is also about what is happening right now. Shaina looks at current inventory levels, days on market for similar homes, and the ratio of list price to sale price in that segment. In a low-inventory, high-demand pocket, she may recommend a slightly more aggressive price, while in a softer segment, she may guide sellers toward a more strategic positioning to spark interest quickly.

Strategic price positioning to drive activity

Once a pricing range is clear, Shaina helps sellers choose a specific list price designed to maximize exposure and showings. This may include positioning at a key search-price threshold, such as just below a common break point, so the listing appears in more buyer searches. Her goal is to create early momentum and, ideally, multiple interested buyers—giving sellers leverage when it is time to negotiate.

If you are curious what your Montgomery County home could realistically sell for in today’s market, request your free home valuation through Shaina’s CloudCMA link and get a data-driven price opinion tailored to your property.