Best Way to find comps???

[Nicole (Dunlap) Pendergrass]

If I don't yet have access to the MLS (still working on getting a good Realtor), what other sites offer RELIABLE 'recently sold' data that I can use to get comps for determining the ARV of a target property?

Thanks!

[Jon Holdman]

The MLS is often best because it includes additional data like days on market and any seller concessions.

Public records, in some areas, contain sales prices. Some counties around Denver have search functions that let you search for comps in a neighborhood. Some counties have systems that are so obtuse you will pull your hair out getting data.

Title companies can sometimes provide data, too. If you've worked with a title company, give them a call. If not, start calling around and ask if they have any sort of online system for looking up sales.

Zillow can actually be useful in this regard. Put in the subject address and look for comps. Take the "zestimate" with a grain of salt, but the comps are real.

In all cases, you have to do some examination of the comps to see their condition and actual configuration. Ideally, drive by.