Comparative Market Analysis (CMA)

Is an informal assessment of a property's market value, usually done to establish a reasonable listing price when a property is placed for sale. The price is established by comparing the property to similar properties that have sold in the area within the past year.

The analysis is normally done by a real estate agent who has easy access to area sales records. Although it's more time-consuming, sellers in the US can find the same information by visiting their county courthouse.