Comparables In Real Estate

Definition of "Comparables in Real Estate"

Mark Mansfield real estate agent

Written by

Mark Mansfieldelite badge icon

RE/MAX Ocean Properties

The term comparables is used to better determine the value an asset has when compared to others, similar to it. Real estate comparables are used in assessments to determine a house’s fair value. A list of recently sold properties, usually within the last year, in a specific area, are considered by the assessor to assess the value of property properly.

Why are comparables used in real estate?

In the real estate market, comparables help a real estate agent to assess the value of a home. Looking at the most recent home sales, real estate agents better understand how properties are evaluated in an area and what the market trend is. The real estate comparables need to be comparable to the property in discussion - needs to have the same number of bedrooms, floors, bathrooms - with similar attributes as the property they represent. Usually, real estate agents look at an area of one mile around the property they evaluate at homes sold for no longer than a year to date. Typically, they use around three comparables to determine the asking price of the property assessed accurately.

During assessments, the assessor also compares the property that they are assessing with comparables. This, similarly, helps them to evaluate the value of the property as well as other determining factors. This value is used for tax purposes by municipalities or local governments to establish the proper property tax for the property.

When do we use comparables in real estate?

In the lack of a real estate agent, a property owner can sell their home through a for sale by owner scenario. The best option would be to have a real estate agent, but a home seller can research these prices online since property sales are made available to the public. A home seller can search online for homes similar to the one they are selling for an accurate price. Simply put, comparables are properties similar to the subject property used to estimate the property’s value.

image of a real estate dictionary page

Have a question or comment?

We're here to help.

*** Your email address will remain confidential.
 

 

Popular Real Estate Terms

Large scale map of an urban area detailing land use. City plans are essential for projecting the growth, development, and redevelopment of the urban area. The major objective of a city plan ...

Organizational governing group. Either an appointed or elected body overseeing the management of an organization and rendering advice on current issues. Members are legally responsible for ...

Type of mortgage, which is not based on a constant interest rate. ...

A certificate of ownership in a real estate company. Pledged assets for a borrowing. An example is an office building serving as collateral for the mortgage. Way of protecting property ...

Partially amortized and requiring a lump sum (balloon) payment at maturity. ...

Same as term deed of trust: A document that conveys title to a neutral third party (trustee) during the period in which the mortgage loan is outstanding as collateral for a debt. ...

If you are involved with real estate, chances are you've come across the term "convey" or conveyance. But what does convey mean in real estate? This term is crucial whether you're buying, ...

Siding made out of aluminum, plastic derivates, or cement asbestos having ridges and valleys which is attached to the sides of buildings. ...

Easement with the objective of keeping scenic beauty or to forbid constructing something else blocking that view. The property is retained in its natural setting. ...

Popular Real Estate Questions