4 Key Things To Track

As a homeowner, your property isn’t just where you live—it’s also one of your most valuable financial assets. Even if you’re not planning to sell anytime soon, keeping an eye on your home’s value can help you make smarter decisions down the line. Whether you're curious about your equity or simply want to stay informed, here are four important things to track regularly:

1. Recent Sales in Your Neighborhood (a.k.a. “Comps”)

The most accurate way to get a sense of your home's current value is by looking at what similar homes nearby have recently sold for. These are known as comparables—or “comps”—and they reflect what buyers are actually willing to pay in your area.

When checking comps, focus on properties with similar square footage, layout, age, and condition. A renovated home down the street may sell for more than yours, but if it's similar in size and style, it still helps paint the picture of your home's value.

💡 Pro Tip: Online estimates can be off by tens of thousands—real insight comes from reviewing detailed, local sales data with an agent who knows the area.

2. Local Development & Amenities

Neighborhood changes can have a big impact on home values, both positive and negative. New parks, retail centers, coffee shops, or upgraded schools tend to make an area more attractive to future buyers. On the other hand, large developments or zoning changes might bring more traffic or impact privacy.

Pay attention to what's being built nearby, what businesses are moving in, and how the area is evolving overall. Even small changes—like walkability improvements or community beautification projects—can increase demand over time.

3. Your Equity Position

Equity is the difference between what your home is worth and what you still owe on it. The more equity you have, the more financial options you gain—whether that’s refinancing, pulling out a home equity line of credit (HELOC), or using the proceeds from a sale to upgrade or invest.

If your home has gone up in value since you bought it (and chances are, it has), your equity may be higher than you think. Checking in on your equity at least once a year gives you clarity and flexibility, even if you're not making a move right now.

4. Interest Rates & Buyer Demand

Even if you’re not buying, interest rates still matter to your home’s value. That’s because rates impact what buyers can afford—and when buyer demand rises or falls, prices tend to follow.

In lower-rate environments, more buyers enter the market, often driving home values up. When rates rise, demand can cool off, which might affect what your home could sell for if you chose to list. Staying informed about mortgage trends gives you a better understanding of when the timing might work in your favor.

Want a Quick Check-In on Your Home’s Value?

You don’t need to be ready to sell to have a conversation about your home’s value. Whether you’re tracking equity, planning future upgrades, or just want to stay informed, I’m here to help with a personalized, no-pressure value check.

Let’s make sure your home is working for you—even if you’re staying put.