Comp Check

Out of town sales personnel frequently call a local appraiser to ask for a free comp check. They always position the request as an opportunity, because if they go ahead with the loan, they will order an appraisal as a reward for helping them out.

They "just" want a rough idea of what homes are going for. There is a concern about the value, and (of course) they don't want to waste their time if the value is not there.

Or, there is a concern about value, and they want to get "bids" from several different appraisers to make sure they get the highest possible appraisal value.

Here is a list of several internet services that provide a rough idea.

RealEstateABC - or try this URL. Better than Zillow - Review by Tech Crunch
Zillow - Was new in February 2006. June 2006 - now old and outdated.
Yahoo - powered by zillow, review by Tech Crunch
Domina free comp checks
Home Gain free comp check
Home Pages, requires sign up
HouseValues.com, operated by HouseValues, Inc (symbol=SOLD)
Redfin - does not yet cover Denver. Review by Tech Crunch. They plan to (vapor-ware) offer property review/comments by buyers and sellers.
Trulia - does not yet cover Denver. Review by Tech Crunch
Motovo - not sure what to make of this one
Skippy - New York Times
netRonline - public records, recommended by Skip Ease
Reply - I tested with 1301 Florence St, Aurora. Actual asking price = $115 - Reply values the house at $167K.

Home Pages and HouseValues.com are owned and operated by House Values Inc - these sites offer you the opportunity to sign up for high quality leads - big money will be rolling your way almost immediately.

Chuck Hoover is Senior VP at Internet Brands - owner of Real Estate ABC.

Redfin is a service that has not made it to Denver yet - but they have some radical changes planned for the industry. Real estate agents don't like them.

Ratings/Review

This from a Wall Street Journal article about websites that publish reviews of listings by regular people who have visited the house.

Zip Realty - they do indeed advertise that you have the option to "read reviews and rate homes". Despite my best effort, I could not find any actual review to read.

Reply - Will offer an opinion of value (looks like Zillow), and you get a chance to rate the home - including several check box options and you can write an essay in the comments section. 1301 Florence St, Aurora, CO - Actual asking price is $115K, they have it valued at $167K.

PropSmart -

Apartment ratings/reviews

Internet company Yahoo Inc. is encouraging users to rate apartment complexes, as well as real-estate agents.

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Comp Check

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