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

(1) The transformation of a racially integrated neighborhood-bousing pattern into segregated housing. (2) Deterioration, destruction, or decay. ...

Adobe construction is one of the oldest types of construction that has been used in the Americas, ancient Egypt, and the Middle East to build long-lasting structures that can be seen even ...

To undertake or take on a responsibility or duty. ...

When we talk about agency as a real estate concept, we understand the relationship between the real estate agent and the client. However, the term dual agency defines a type of agency that ...

Timeshare homes is the popular name given to the concept of fractional ownership in real estate, and, in fact, is a better term to explain its meaning.Why?Well, fractional ownership means ...

Relationship between individuals or entities out of which exists a mutual interest. An example is a privity of contract among the contracting parties concerning the actions each are to take. ...

Request of a local government's planning body to alter the zoning requirements based on a justifiable reason. ...

Secondary is something that is less important than or compared to something else. Secondary can also be a result of something or someone that is primary by definition. A secondary location ...

A joist to which a ceiling is attached. A ceiling joist usually consists of several small 2 x 4 boards nailed or mortised to the sides or bottom of overhead joists to which the ceiling is ...

Popular Real Estate Questions