Online House Hunting

What is the fastest way online to find comps in an area for a house you are looking to buy?

We are looking into buying a house, is there an easy way to find what other houses in that area are selling for?

Public Comments

1. zillow.com will give you comps and other neighborhood analysis. good tool!
2. look into best buys website and find out if there is a best buy in that area. Bestbuy.com
3. That is where your realtor can help. You can try www.zillow.com but the number lag and are not accurate.
4. Do NOT rely on www.zillow.com or similar. Your best option is to engage the services of a qualified real estate buyer representative, who will represent YOUR interests, and can provide written evidence of comparable and recent sales values in the area in which you wish to purchase. This will cost you NOTHING, in most situations. Such an agent has information to all the information you require, and in MOST scenarios, the sellers will end up paying the fees of said agent.
5. I agree -- Zillow will show you comps but not the full picture. Cyberhomes also will show area values but it's not accurate--it incorporates averages and is not a true market analysis. Public sites do not provide a full scope of data. If you are a buyer....hire an agent. In most markets the seller pays the commission so it does not cost a buyer one penny to hire a real estate agent to represent them. Real estate agents have access to specifics on MLS Solds that you don't have. They know the area market and can advise you on the pros and cons -- which are NOT just straight numbers -- of a particular property and neighborhood. If you are looking at a foreclosure, I highly recommend you hire an agent you trust! The bank wants to cut it's losses, not advise you about the house.