Analyze Comparable Properties

Use the filters to search for the best comparable properties similar to yours. 

Year Built: Focus on properties constructed within a 10-year range of your home's year built. If your home is older but has been updated, make sure to find similar older homes that have been recently updated.

Location: For typical properties, keep your search within a 0.25-mile radius. For homes on larger acreage lots, you may need to extend your search to a 5-10 mile radius.

Lot Size:

• For lots up to 0.25 acre, compare with homes on lots no larger than 0.5 acre.
• For larger acreage lots, look for properties with lot sizes within +/- 2 acres of your own.

Bedroom/Bathroom count: Try to find properties with the exact count as your home, as that's the best comparable. If you have to, adjust +/- one bedroom or bath.

Home Style Consistency: Ensure that you only compare homes of similar architectural styles. For instance, match ramblers with other ramblers, two-stories with two-stories, and split-levels with other split-levels to maintain an accurate assessment.

Bedrooms and Bathrooms: Ensure the homes you compare have a similar count of bedrooms and bathrooms as your own.

Finishes and Condition: Examine photos of the listings. Pay attention to the quality of finishes such as flooring, countertops, and fixtures. This can significantly affect a home's value.

Search for Comparable Listings

Use SODL's tool and other real estate platforms like Zillow, Realtor.com, to find homes that match your parameters. Input the specifics from Step 1 into the search filters to generate a list of comparable properties. It's a great idea to confirm on multiple sites to get a better understanding of what your home should be listed for.

Consider Market Trends

Understand current market conditions in your area. Market trends like the current supply and demand, the average days on market, and seasonal influences can affect property values.

Compile and Compare Data

Create a spreadsheet to organize the data of the properties you've researched. Include columns for each parameter you're comparing. This visual comparison can help highlight similarities and differences, making it easier to estimate a fair market value for your home.

Make Adjustments

If your home has unique features or upgrades (ex. pool, detached garage, sauna, fireplace, heated garage, etc.) not common in your comparables, adjust your value estimate accordingly. Conversely, if your home lacks features present in the comparables, decrease your estimate.