Continuing EducationElective

Mastering the CMA: Data, Adjustments and Pricing Logic

Pricing a property is the most consequential skill a real estate agent has, and it depends on a disciplined, market-based method. A CMA is not a Zestimate printout or an average of three active listings.
  • Connecticut
  • Approval # RCE.0002002-CRS
  • 3 hours CE
  • 44 lessons
  • 5 quizzes
  • Online · self-paced

About this course

Pricing a property is the most consequential skill a real estate agent has, and it depends on a disciplined, market-based method. A CMA is not a Zestimate printout or an average of three active listings. It’s an analysis built on choosing appropriate comparable sales, logical adjustments, and a clear reason behind every number you put in front of a client.

This course teaches the complete CMA process from the ground up. You’ll learn how to select comparable sales based on genuine similarity rather than price targets, how to make adjustments that reflect what the market is actually telling you, and how to present a price recommendation that holds up under scrutiny — from sellers, from buyers, and from the appraisal.

If you’ve ever second-guessed your pricing, struggled to explain your number to a skeptical seller, or watched a deal fall apart because the CMA didn’t hold up, this course gives you the methodology to get it right.

What you’ll learn

  • What a CMA actually is — and what it isn’t
  • How to select comparable sales based on market behavior, not convenience
  • How to make adjustments that are logical, consistent, and well-supported
  • How to use active and pending listings properly without anchoring your price to them
  • How to present your pricing recommendation with clarity and confidence
  • How to handle sellers who challenge your number with data, not pressure

Course content

5 sections · 44 lessons · 5 quizzes · 3 hours
01 Before You Begin1 lesson
  1. Start Here
02 CMA Basics9 lessons · 1 quiz
  1. What Is a CMA and Why It Matters
  2. What Is a CMA?
  3. CMA vs. Appraisal vs. Automated Valuation
  4. The Agent’s Pricing Role
  5. Why CMA Skills Are Undervalued
  6. Common CMA Pitfalls
  7. Real Consequences of Weak Pricing
  8. The Business Case for CMA Excellence
  9. CMA Basics Summary
  10. CMA Basics Quiz
03 Setting Up Your CMA11 lessons · 1 quiz
  1. Setting Up Your CMA
  2. Define the Market Area
  3. Document the Subject Property
  4. A Note on Gross Living Area
  5. Establish Your Sales Timeframe
  6. Understanding Listing Status
  7. Selecting Comparable Sales
  8. How Many Comps Do You Need?
  9. Case Study — Which Is the Best Comp?
  10. CMA Setup Checklist
  11. Setting up your CMA Summary
  12. Setting Up Your CMA Quiz
04 Adjustments To The Comparables14 lessons · 1 quiz
  1. Adjustments: Making Fair Comparisons
  2. Why We Adjust
  3. You Adjust the Comp — Not the Subject
  4. The Risk of Skipping Adjustments
  5. Common Adjustment Categories
  6. When NOT to Adjust
  7. Adjustment Methods Overview
  8. Paired Sales Analysis — The Concept
  9. Paired Sales — Worked Examples
  10. The Ratterman Method — GLA Adjustments
  11. Bracketing — When It’s Better Than Adjusting
  12. Building Your Adjustment Grid
  13. Adjustment Myths to Avoid
  14. Adjustments to the Comparables Summary
  15. Adjustments: Making Fair Comparisons Quiz
05 Completing Your CMA9 lessons · 2 quizzes
  1. Completing Your CMA
  2. Summarizing Your Adjusted Values
  3. Price Range vs. Single Price Point
  4. CMA Final Quality Check
  5. CMA Tools and Platforms
  6. The CMA Workflow — 10 Steps
  7. Completing Your CMA Summary
  8. Completing and Presenting Your CMA Quiz
  9. Course Summary
  10. What’s Next
  11. Final Exam

How it works

1

Enroll online

Check out in a few minutes and start right away.

2

Learn at your pace

On your phone, tablet or laptop, with 6 months to finish.

3

Pass and download

Your certificate is ready as soon as you pass the final exam.

Frequently asked questions

Are these courses approved for continuing education credit?

Courses approved for continuing education credit show the approval on the course page. Select your state to see the courses approved for your license.

How long do I have to complete a course?

You have 6 months from enrollment to finish, at your own pace. Just make sure you finish before your state’s CE deadline.

When do I get my certificate of completion?

As soon as you pass the final exam, your certificate of completion is available to download instantly from your dashboard.

Can I access courses on my phone or iPad?

Absolutely. The platform works on any device, so you can learn from your phone, tablet, or computer.

Mastering the CMA: Data, Adjustments and Pricing Logic
$30.00 One-time · 3 hours CE
Sign up for this course
This course includes
  • 3 hours of CE credit
  • 44 lessons in 5 sections
  • 5 quizzes
  • Certificate of completion
  • 6 months to finish
  • Phone, tablet or laptop
Questions? 860-713-9278