First time selling a house. Agent is saying she is going to do a pre-listing appraisal. Is this normal?

[/u/butterflypapillon]

I am getting ready to sell my first home, so I am not familiar with the standard practice. The agent I called did a run down of the process and in addition to looking at home to assess, suggestions of things to fix/do, photos, CMA, the listing, she mentioned doing an appraisal. I haven't gotten a chance to clarify with her if this will be an expense, I'll incur, or why CMAs aren't enough. This was a preliminary first chat and she hasn't seen the house. After reading on line, this sounds like a pre-listing appraisal, which mainly is only needed if not a lot of home have sold in the area, if the property is unique, neither of which apply. Also the appraisal is not necessarily market value. The house is in a nice suburban neighborhood and is a standard home. From what I am reading this appraisal, can cost me $300-$500. I could see where if houses aren't moving do an appraisal, but in the current market this doesn't make sense to me given it isn't unique, market and appraisal value are not necessarily the same. Are pre-listing appraisals normal? Should I ask if this is included in the 6% realtor fees?

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First time selling a house. Agent is saying she is going to do a pre-listing appraisal. Is this normal?
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