Can a real estate agent estimate my home’s worth or should I seek a formal appraisal?

Your real estate agent can run a comparative market analysis to give you a good idea of your home’s worth, but only a professional appraiser can provide an accurate estimate of its worth. When the home goes into contract, the lender will require a professional appraisal before they grant the buyer a loan. An appraisal that is lower than the offer price could jeopardize the sale, so it’s best to cover your bases and get the home appraised before you list it.