Traditionally, people turn to two methods for determining home value - appraisals and something called a comparative market analysis. Appraisers review numerous factors including recent sales of similar properties, location, square footage and construction quality. Comparative market analysis is an informal estimate of market value performed by a real estate agent or broker. It is based on like sales and generally offers a range of values including probable market value. Individuals can also do their own cost comparison, though doing so may take several hours of research at the county property valuation office.
Most offices have indexes to match street addresses and parcel numbers.
Private companies, using records from county offices, now offer property price information. Dataquick updates a state-wide data base every seven to 10 days. The Home Sales Line allows people to use their telephones to find the exact selling price of houses anywhere in the state 24 hours a day. In addition, private companies, using records from county recorders and assessors offices, also now offer sales price information. The Home Sales Line allows people to use their telephones to find the exact selling price of houses anywhere in the state 24 hours a day.