How to Find Out How Much Homes Sold for in Your Area

Finding out how much homes sold for in your area will help you determine a selling price for your home if you are thinking of moving. It can also help if you are considering a home equity loan, or if you are just curious about your home's value.

Instructions

1. Check your local newspaper for property transfer records. These records are published routinely in larger circulation newspapers and will include name, address and selling price of area homes. This will also tell you if the home was sold by a homeowner, a bank or the sheriff's department, letting you know if it was a distressed sale. Distress sales often result in a lower price.

2. Call a local Realtor and ask for a comparative market analysis, or CMA. In doing a CMA, your Realtor will look at homes that have sold--generally within the last six months--that are similar to yours in size, age and condition. You can add or subtract for additions, improvements or needed repairs.

3. Look up property records on your county's website. The auditor's office keeps track of all property records and transfers within the county. These property records will contain sales information, current taxes on the property, and a map of the land and buildings.

4. Obtain a subscription to Domania or Netronline. These sites allow you to search for property sales in any area of the country, including your own.

Tips & Warnings

• Property values are public record. With a little legwork you can obtain the information for free on your own.

References

• Netronline
• Domania