The cheapest, fastest way to pull comps

[Kyle Soudalan]

Being a software engineer that has invested in rental properties for many years, I am working on a service to aid myself to quickly and easily pull comps. In the meantime, I wanted to understand how agents pull comps today.

What is your strategy for pulling comps? How long does it take you on average? Where do you collect your results (json file, excel spreadsheet, custom software, etc.)? As much details as you can share would be great!

Ideally I'd like to build something that real estate agents can use. I've encountered issues with my RE agents pulling comps in the past, so I see this as an area we can greatly improve upon.

[Brandon Vukelich]

Love your enthusiasm to find improvements but not sure I (as a fellow agent) would have much need for another platform or system than my local MLS. After I read your post, I was curious how long it would take me on average to pull comps so I did a test on an upcoming listing of mine, a 3bd/2ba, 1670sq ft, 1988yr single family home. I'm sure every agent has their own method but I click: active, contingent, pending inspection, pending and sold (right now I used sold under 90 days). Then set criteria 3-4 beds, 1500-2500 and price $500-650k. I know my listing will be in the 550-575k range. I then click the map to crop to a specific area I want to limit the search and get the results. The process took me 55 seconds.

I can't say how long the full deep dive takes to review as sometimes there are only a couple of comps and other times there are over a dozen or so.  Maybe 5-30 mins more in reviewing pics, reading descriptions, calling other agents.  Trying my best to find ones for the closest "apples to apples" comparisons.  

Also, our system allows for a variety of reports to be generated. No need for other spreadsheets and tools.  Was that helpful at all?