If you’re selling or planning to sell your house, you must have wondered; how much did homes sell for in my area?
After all, the market price of properties in your location is practical knowledge to have.
Staying updated about the local market can help you make smart decisions when you start receiving offers.
So, how do you find this information, and what’s the best way to use it?
Real Estate Websites
One of the simplest ways to find out how much homes sold for in your area is by using real estate websites.
They’re easy to navigate and provide a ton of useful details.
Zillow
Zillow is one of the most popular platforms for checking home sale prices.
All you need to do is type in your neighborhood or city.
Zillow will show you recently sold homes, including sale prices, photos, and other features.
Trulia
Trulia works similarly to Zillow. It allows you to search for recently sold properties in your area.
It also offers detailed information about sale prices.
It can even provide neighborhood insights.
Trulia is especially handy if you’re trying to compare homes to see how yours measures up.
Realtor.com
Realtor.com has a “Just Sold” section that provides sale prices and insights into market trends.
It’s a great tool to see if home prices in your area are rising or falling.
It can also be used to see how long homes are staying on the market.
Local Real Estate Agents
If you want to get accurate details to best answer the question, how much did homes sell for in my area, a local real estate agent is one of the best sources.
Agents have access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), a comprehensive database that contains up-to-date information on home sales.
The MLS Advantage
The MLS provides data that you can’t easily find online.
Real estate agents use it to prepare a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA), which compares your home to similar properties in your area.
A CMA takes into account:
- Home Condition: Is the home newly renovated or in need of repairs?
- Size: How many square feet does it have?
- Location: Is it in a desirable area or near busy streets?
Plenty of first-time sellers depend on licensed agents to set the perfect asking price.
Sometimes, having local expertise can make all the difference.
Public Records
Home sales are public information, so you can also check with your local county recorder or assessor’s office to see what homes sold for.
Many counties have online databases that make this easier.
Reputable companies that make cash offers for houses on sale use these public records to make fair — but still competitive — offers.
How to Use Public Records
Search for your county’s website and look for property records.
You can enter an address or search by neighborhood to get sale prices.
While this method might take a bit more time, it’s free and highly accurate.
Online Marketplaces and Tools
If you want quick and easy access to home sale prices, online marketplaces like HomeLight and OnePropertee are also great options.
HomeLight
HomeLight not only shows you recent home sale prices.
It can also connect you with top-performing real estate agents in your area.
These agents can provide detailed, personalized advice based on the latest market data.
OnePropertee
OnePropertee is especially useful if you’re interested in buying or investing in property.
It allows you to compare different neighborhoods.
This will give you a sense of where you’ll get the best value for your money.
Comparative Market Analysis (CMA)
If you still want to know the best answer to, how much did homes sell for in my area, it’s highly recommended that you ask for a CMA from a licensed real estate agent.
As discussed earlier, a CMA compares your home to similar ones that have sold nearby.
It also factors in:
- Upgrades: Do you have a new roof or remodeled kitchen?
- Neighborhood: Is it close to schools, parks, or shopping?
- Market Trends: Are prices in your area on the rise?
Agents are used to helping homeowners set fair but competitive prices.
Most — if not all — of them rely on CMAs to get the best figures.
What Is the Most Accurate Home Value Estimator?
If you’re looking for the most accurate home value estimator, using multiple sources is your best bet.
Why Use Multiple Tools?
Online estimators like Zillow’s Zestimate are popular, but they aren’t always perfect.
These tools use algorithms based on public data and recent sales.
This means that they don’t know the unique features of your home.
For example, if you’ve made big upgrades or live in a unique area, the estimate may be off.
That’s why it’s smart to use more than one site, like Redfin or Realtor.com, and then compare the numbers.
You can even request a quote from cash home buyers.
Many of them are professionals who are experienced and updated with the local market.
But if you really want accuracy, a CMA from a local real estate agent is the gold standard.
Agents know the nuances of your market and can give you a much clearer idea of your home’s value.
Why Knowing Sale Prices Matters
Understanding how much did homes sell for in my area is crucial whether you’re buying or selling.
For sellers, it helps you set the right asking price.
Price too high, and your home might sit on the market for too long.
Price too low, and you could miss out on thousands of dollars.
For buyers, knowing sale prices can help you make a smart offer.
You don’t want to overpay, but you also don’t want to miss out on your dream home.
Making Sense of It All
The key to understanding your local real estate market is using multiple resources.
Check real estate websites for a quick overview.
Talk to a local real estate agent for expert advice.
Look at public records for the most accurate data.
And always consider a CMA if you’re serious about buying or selling.
By doing your homework, you’ll be better equipped to answer the question; just how much did homes sell for in my area?
And once you know the answer, you can use it to your advantage when selling your home.