How to properly do comps on a property

[Davidson Francois]

Would it be ok for me to use sites like Redfin,trulia, realtor.com to do comps on a property I’m looking into purchasing?

[John Thedford]

NO! Do not rely on their values. Here is how you get comps:
1. find sales in the area that are six months old or less
2. they should be similar to what you are looking to buy
3. throw out sales that were distressed. They are not typical sales
4. do adjustments to the comps--NOT what you are looking at
5. make sure comps are CLOSE to your potential deal. Comps 10 miles away don't work in most cases.
If they are superior--adjust down for what is superior (pool, view, etc).
If they are inferior--adjust them up to what yours has that they don't (pool, location, condition, etc).