Are you curious about how much a house sold for in your neighborhood? You're not alone. Many people pay attention to the market values of similar homes, whether they're planning to sell or not.
Knowing the sale price of a house can be crucial for negotiating offers and counteroffers in real estate transactions. If you're planning to sell your home, it's essential to see the prices of recent comparable sales in your neighborhood. This information will help you determine the right listing price for your home. Real estate agents also rely on comparable homes to create a comparative market analysis and determine property values.
If you're planning to buy a home, knowing the median selling price of homes in your area can help you make an informed offer. Furthermore, understanding the previous sale price of a home can provide insights into its appreciation in value.
Now, let's explore the best ways to find out how much a house sold for.
1. Online Real Estate Websites
Major real estate websites like Zillow and Realtor.com offer databases of current homes for sale as well as historical sales data. You can easily search for a property's sales history by entering its full address. These websites provide sales dates and prices, allowing you to gather information quickly and conveniently.
It's worth mentioning that while Zillow provides a "zestimate of value," it's recommended to ignore it as it's not always accurate.
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2. Google Search
Google can be a valuable tool to find out the sale price of a home. By simply typing the full address of the property into the search bar, you may be able to discover the sales price. This method is akin to looking for property ownership information, as Google search results often provide public information about previously sold homes.
Additionally, you can find other useful details about the property, such as property taxes, square footage, number of bedrooms and baths, etc.
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3. Local Tax Assessor's Office
Visiting the local tax assessor's office is one of the most accurate ways to find out the sale price of a property. They maintain property "field cards" that show the previous sales prices of homes. In many cases, these records are also available online through the tax assessor's website.
While some websites might charge a minimal fee for information, it's usually worth it to obtain the sale price information you're looking for. The Public Records Online Directory is a valuable resource for accessing public records from tax assessors, treasurers, and recorders.
4. Local Newspaper
While the local newspaper can provide sold data, it can be more challenging to locate specific property information. Online resources and tools offered by real estate websites make it much easier to find house prices.
5. Local Real Estate Agent
The easiest and most reliable way to find out how much a house sold for is by speaking with a local real estate agent. Real estate agents have access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), a database of properties for sale, pending sale, and sold homes. They can provide you with a complete sales history of a house, including the sold price and date. Real estate professionals are always willing to assist and help you gather the information you need.
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Remember, in some states, a home's sale price does not become public record. These states include Alaska, Idaho, Kansas, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New Mexico, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming. In states with no disclosure laws, such as Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Nevada, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, and Tennessee, sale prices are only made public if the seller submits them. In these cases, consulting a real estate agent or realtor is necessary.
Finding out what a house sold for is not only valuable for buyers and sellers but also for those interested in determining a property's value. By getting a comparative market analysis (CMA) from a real estate agent, you can understand the likely sale price for your home or make informed offers on properties.
About the Author: This article, "5 Killer Tips to Discover the Selling Price of a House," was written by Bill Gassett, a nationally recognized real estate expert with over 35 years of experience. If you have any real estate questions, you can reach Bill via email at billgassett@remaxexec.com or by phone at 508-625-0191. Bill has helped numerous individuals and families with their real estate needs in Metrowest MA towns.