Picking the Best Comps
Even if you work with an agent, you will want to do your homework on pricing, and comps play the biggest role in setting a price. Using Zillow, you can find and compare comps on a map. For most addresses, Zillow has compiled a list of 50 comparable transactions based on available data. But this data is just the beginning. Once you have a list of recently sold homes that have something in common with the one you're looking at, your own knowledge of homes in the area is the best tool you have, whether you are buying a home or selling one. Here are 4 tips for choosing the best comps from a list: Location, Location, Location Select comps as close to your address as possible. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, a comp within a block or two of yours might not be a good comp because it sits higher on the hill, and has phenomenal views, or it's closer to a main arterial or freeway. Likewise, a house similar to yours could be a mile away, but still is part of t...