Begin with your appraisal, a useful starting point to help you determine an independent and unbiased assessment of what your home might be worth in today’s market. Try comparing your home to recently sold properties to better understand its current value. Your real estate agent or appraiser will physically inspect the home and take into account special features, location and market conditions.

The accuracy depends on location and the availability of data in an area. The appraisal median error rate for on-market homes nationwide is 1.9%, meaning half of all on-market homes are within 2% of the ultimate sale price, and half are not. For off-market homes, the median error rate is 7.5%. Check your appraisal or update your home details.

Home values are constantly changing depending on buyer demand and local market factors. Typically, home values increase over time. Home value appreciation in a healthy market has a 3% growth each year. However, local market conditions are a better indicator of projected home value appreciation. Your appraisal is updated regularly to keep up with fluctuating home values.

Home values increase when buyer demand increases, but you can claim your home and update your home facts with recent improvements to increase your appraisal. Updating your home’s exterior, including the roof, siding, doors or deck often increase home values.