A public listing tests a price in the open. An off-market sale does not, so it is fair for a seller to ask how they can be confident the number is right.
Start with comparable sales
A well-built valuation compares your home with recent sales of similar homes nearby, adjusted for size, condition, features and location. It should explain each comparison, not just state a conclusion.
Look at current competition
Recent sales show what happened. Homes currently for sale, and those under contract, show what buyers are choosing among now. Both belong in the analysis.
Ask for a range, not just a number
A single figure can imply false precision. A range and a recommended price, with reasoning, is more honest and easier to evaluate.
Consider an independent check
A buyer's lender will typically order an appraisal, which is an independent estimate of value. Understanding how an appraisal may compare with your price helps you avoid surprises during escrow.
Compare with what a public listing might achieve
Ask your agent to estimate what the home might sell for on the open market, and by how much a private sale might differ. That comparison helps you weigh privacy against price.
Use a defined test period
Some sellers set a defined period for quiet marketing and agree in advance to go public if the right offer does not arrive. That gives you a fair test without indefinite waiting.
What to be wary of
Be cautious of any promise of a higher price without evidence, or any pressure to accept quickly. A fair process is transparent about how the number was reached.
Rudy will always explain the reasoning behind a price. This is general information, not legal or financial advice.