Finding accurate comps

[Nicholas Weckstein]

I'm currently in the process of finding a deal to do my first flip. I'm working with an agent whom I trust and as of now we are in the process of finding the right property. My question is to other investors/flippers is, how do you find comps ? For example. Let's say my agent presents me with a house for 50k. Next thing I would want to do is find out what homes in that area are going for right ? Okay well I've been using Zillow. I'm aware that the Zestimate can often not be trusted. But when putting on the filter for "recently sold" and looking in and around that area. Can that be trusted as accurate ? If the house is on market for example 50k and recently sold homes in the area, that are similar to this one are selling for 100k....would that be accurate information ?

[Jeff B.]

By definition, while comps should be 'comparable', they frequently are just compromises to the 'best fit'. 

• age and style
• same configuration (2/1, 3/2, 3/1.5)
• within 5 miles

You've already found that the online sites all have issues, so when your agent presents a property, ask for the comps with the data on his proposal.