ARV without access to the MLS?

[Givonna Wiley]

What it the most accurate or close to accurate place for a newbie to get the best ARV when I don't have access to the MLS? I've read that Zillow's Zestimate is not accurate. I've tried Epraisal which seems pretty good.

I'm currently looking for my first property and I'm very eager to "pull the trigger",

[Brandon Sturgill]

@Givonna Wiley  Yes, Zillow is not the best site for true value, but they can give you a good start. Here is how I use Zillow for comps. 

1) Locate the property that your are comping on the map

2) Set your search parameters to only show homes that have recently sold in the last six months (they all appear with yellow dots)

3) Record the amount sold and the address

4) Determine if they are truly comp properties (all 3/2's etc..)

5) Pull data from your county auditors site and verify that the property sold (and that it was not a distressed sale)

Or as an alternative...link up with a realtor. They will be glad to run a comparative market analysis for you :)