Relocating can be one of life’s most stressful experiences. From packing and schools to job transitions and timelines, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But there’s one critical detail that many families overlook: knowing exactly what their current home is worth.
I’m Cardwell Thaxton, a licensed appraiser and founder of Tight And Right Real Estate Valuation, serving homeowners across New Jersey from Essex County down to Gloucester County. Whether you’re moving across the state or across the country, I help relocating families avoid guesswork and make data-driven real estate decisions.
Selling your home quickly—and for the right price—requires more than Zillow guesstimates or a hopeful number from a real estate agent. Pricing it too high can stall your sale, while pricing too low can drain your hard-earned equity.
An accurate, independent appraisal gives you:
Many relocating families depend on online estimates, outdated comps, or emotional pricing. But these approaches come with real risks:
Your home could sit on the market for months while you rack up carrying costs.
You could leave tens of thousands of dollars on the table—money you might need for your next down payment.
If your home doesn’t sell in time, it could delay school enrollment, job starts, or contract contingencies.
An appraisal cuts through the noise and gives you an objective, market-driven figure to work with.
A real estate appraisal is a detailed, professional analysis of your home's current market value based on:
Unlike automated valuation models (AVMs), appraisals are performed by certified professionals with access to local data and boots-on-the-ground experience. It’s the gold standard for pricing real estate accurately.
Here’s how families preparing for a move benefit from a pre-listing appraisal:
Avoid common pricing traps and set a realistic, competitive price from day one.
Well-priced homes sell faster, reducing stress and overlap with your new location.
Buyers respect documented valuations—giving you stronger footing during offers and inspections.
Know what you’ll net from the sale, so you can plan your next home or transition with confidence.
Real estate in New Jersey is highly localized. What sells in Montclair won’t price the same in Cherry Hill—even if the square footage matches.
As your “appraiser near me,” I provide insights that reflect hyperlocal trends in:
I understand school districts, zoning shifts, buyer preferences, and seasonal fluctuations—because I’m on the ground, every day.
Fun Fact: According to Realtor.com, homes with professionally-backed pricing are 20% more likely to sell within the first month compared to those using online estimates.
Expert Insight: The Appraisal Institute reports that early appraisals in relocation scenarios reduce “time on market” by up to 32 days, giving families more flexibility and fewer surprises.
Yes. Realtors provide a CMA (comparative market analysis), but only licensed appraisers offer unbiased, court-admissible valuations based on strict methodologies.
Most appraisals in New Jersey range from $400 to $700, depending on property size, location, and complexity.
Turnaround is typically 48-72 hours after the site visit, with urgent options available.
Absolutely. Many companies require an official appraisal for relocation packages or expense reimbursements.
Yes. It gives you a pricing roadmap and saves you from mid-listing course corrections.
Relocating is challenging—but it doesn’t have to be chaotic. Knowing your home’s true market value before you list is one of the smartest moves your family can make.
I’m Cardwell Thaxton, and at Tight And Right Real Estate Valuation, I provide timely, local, and expert appraisals that help New Jersey families move with clarity and confidence.
Don’t guess. Don’t gamble. Get the facts—and make your next move your best move.
Planning to move? Get your home’s true value before listing. Call 908-456-1593 now Or email CardwellThaxton@gmail.com
Let’s make your relocation smoother—starting with the right number.