🏡 5 Ways to Find Real Estate Comps in Your Area

If you want to sell your home for the best possible price, you need to start with an accurate understanding of its current market value.
The most reliable way to do that is by looking at real estate comps—recently sold homes similar to yours in location, size, and condition.

💡 Important: The best comps are homes sold within the last 3 months. They reflect the most up-to-date market conditions and buyer behavior—making them far more accurate than active listings.

Here are 5 ways to find strong comps in your area:

1️⃣ Use Reliable Real Estate Websites

Websites like Zillow, Realtor.com, and Redfin provide quick access to recent sales data.
When searching:

• Filter by sold homes only (not active listings)

• Focus on sales in the last 90 days

• Compare properties with similar square footage, features, and condition

2️⃣ Request a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) from a Local Broker

A CMA is one of the most accurate tools for valuing your home.
It’s prepared by a local real estate expert who:

• Focuses on recent closed sales—ideally from the past three months

• Considers market trends and seasonal changes

• Adjusts values for upgrades or unique features

✅ Unlike online estimates, a CMA uses verified sales data—not just listing prices.

3️⃣ Check Public Property Records

County property appraiser websites in Florida allow you to:

• See actual sale prices and dates

• Review details like lot size, year built, and square footage

• Identify which sales happened within the last 90 days

📍 These records are an excellent way to verify data from other sources.

4️⃣ Compare Active Listings (With Caution)

Active listings can show you the current competition, but they are not true comps.
Why? Because list prices are only what sellers hope to get—not what buyers are actually paying.

If you do look at active listings, use them only to:

• Understand how your home compares in features and presentation

• Gauge current buyer interest

• Plan your marketing strategy—not your pricing strategy

5️⃣ Hire a Licensed Appraiser

For the most professional and unbiased opinion, hire an appraiser.
Their report will be based on:

• Sales from the last three months

• Detailed adjustments for size, condition, and location

• Market trends specific to your neighborhood

📈 Final Thoughts

The most accurate real estate comps come from homes sold within the last 90 days—not active listings.
If you’re selling in Florida, focusing on fresh, verified sales data ensures you set a competitive price that attracts buyers and maximizes your return.