An appraisal in Saskatchewan is carried out by a member of the Appraisal Institute of Canada and typically costs a few hundred dollars, paid by the buyer as part of their lender's requirements. A comparative market analysis is done by your agent to help you price your home for sale. It considers recent sales, current listings, and the specific features and condition of your home. It is not a legal document, but it is the tool that drives your listing price and your negotiation strategy.
An appraisal is done by an independent third party, usually ordered by the buyer's lender, to confirm that the home is worth the purchase price. If the appraisal comes in below the agreed price, the buyer may need to renegotiate or make up the difference in cash.
For pricing your home before listing, a comparative market analysis from an experienced local agent is the right tool. For confirming value for a lender, an appraisal is required. Joel Dyck provides the analysis as part of the free valuation process. An appraisal typically costs $400 to $600 and is paid by the buyer. The valuation costs you nothing.