Investor · DFW, TX · Member since 2008 · 66 posts · 2 votes
If anyone lives in dfw that has a good website they use I would appreciate a recommendation. I'm looking for accurate sales and rental comps within a 2 year period. It should include property age, square footage and number of bed/bath. I'll even pay for it. Properties for sale on the mls would be a great bonus but not necessary.
BiggerPockets Founder · HI · Member since 2008 · 16k+ posts · 5k+ votes
18y
I'd start with a realtor. . . they should be able to provide that info for you. You can get a rough (sometimes very rough) idea from many of the online comps sites . . . we've got a directory of them at:
http://www.biggerpockets.com/house-value-comps.html
The best way to get comps is to become familiar with a marketplace. Visit the properties in that market that are for sale and walk the neighborhood. After seeing 50-100 properties, you'll be able to eyeball a home and figure out an approximate worth.
Keep up with your market and you won't have any troubles with getting comps in the future!
Investor · DFW, TX · Member since 2008 · 66 posts · 2 votes
18y
Thanks Joshua for the quick reply. I know agents can do it but they frown when I ask them to do it for numerous properties. They tell me to pick one I like and then they'll do it. Heck, how do i know which one I like without a proper CMA? I'm still a noob so it'll take me a while to do an accurate window appraisal.
BiggerPockets Founder · HI · Member since 2008 · 16k+ posts · 5k+ votes
18y
An agent won't want to work for you for free without knowing that you are going to actually take some action. Many investors just waste realtors' time, which is why they don't want to go and work too hard. Many are just lazy (I've seen it firsthand)
That's why learning your marketplace is of the utmost importance. You shouldn't have to rely on too many other people to do the basic work for you. If you could see value in a property without needing to do a CMA, wouldn't that make it easier for you?
Lexington, KY · Member since 2009 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
14y
I have to agree with Josh on this one. There are a lot of real estate agents out there that have spend a lot of time working with "investors" to never make a dime. The best thing you could do is to learn your market and go to real estate agents to confirm analysis on a property you would like to purchase. Once you do this and find an agent who works well with you, they will be much more willing to work with you, knowing you close deals.
As far as other website I have been unable to find any reliable website for pulling comps...this is one reason I decided to get my agent license. I now have access to the MLS and can pull comps and analyze deals at my convenience. I have also saved thousands on commission (all for approx $600 in classes and some additional money in fees). So that is another option you could consider.