Washington State Real Estate Practice Exam 2025 – Complete Preparation Guide

A comparative market analysis (CMA) serves the primary purpose of evaluating how a property compares to similar properties in the area. It involves analyzing recent sales data, current listings, and properties that did not sell to provide a comprehensive view of the market. By looking at comparable properties—often referred to as "comps"—real estate professionals can gain insights into how a subject property stands in relation to others regarding features, prices, and overall market conditions.

While determining an exact selling price is important, it's not the primary function of a CMA, as real estate pricing can be somewhat subjective and influenced by various factors not captured in a mere analysis. Similarly, predicting market trends and establishing buyer eligibility are not functions of a CMA. Market trends may be more applicable to broader economic studies or analyses, while buyer eligibility is usually assessed through credit checks, income verification, and other qualification criteria rather than a comparative analysis of real estate properties. Therefore, the focus on comparing properties positions the CMA as a vital tool for appraisals, pricing strategies, and informing buyers and sellers in the real estate market.