Zillow vs trulia vs realtor.com

[Horacio Gutierrez]

Hello, Which website between loopnet, zillow, realtor.com and trulia can you say has the most accurate numbers when it tells how much a duplex is worth. Also, is there any online software you recommend that will help in doing a good analysis on a duplex or fourplex property such as mashvisor. Do you think mashvisor is good to use?

[Frank Wong]

Hi Horacio,

The good rule of thumb to stick with is to never use any online estimate for value.   None of the sites are accurate.  There is no short cut in determining value.  The only true way is to pull up comparable sales and analyze the comps and condition of the property.  This is where experience comes in to play.  You must know how to dissect the information and come up with a non-bias opinion.  

In your case with 2-4 units. You will need to find rental comps along property comps to help determine your value.  You will also need to see what the potential rents could be should you decide to rehab the units.  The rehab portion is only for units that require updating.