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

Money raised by a syndicate promoter and placed into a fund prior to selecting the specific property in which funds will be invested. ...

The definition of acoustical materials is a wide range of materials that are used in construction or technology to provide soundproofing. There are different types of acoustic materials ...

Site where mobile homes are located. Mobile home parks are often mandated by municipal zoning laws. They provide necessary utilities to the mobile homes often including recreational ...

Situation in which a purchaser acquires mortgaged property and continues to pay the mortgagee for the debt outstanding. Although the new buyer continues to pay the mortgagee for the debt ...

Allocating the price paid to purchase to or more properties based on their appraised values. ...

Generally, the definition of a deposition means a pre-trial and out-of-court testimony that is given under oath. A deposition is integral to the discovery process to establish a ...

Law enacted by a local authority applicable to the action of people or things. An example is a fine of $5,000 for littering vacant real estate. ...

(1) A persons permanent and legal place of residence. While an individual may have one or more residences, it is only possible to have one permanent address. (2) The state where one has ...

Any written evidence or tangible material which can be reproduced as written material which is coherent and related to the subject at hand. This includes documents, contracts, inscriptions ...

Popular Real Estate Questions