Whether you’re looking to purchase your own home or an investment property, it is crucial to properly estimate a house’s value.  This number is the starting point for all of your analysis and negotiations, so you need to get it right!

But what if you don’t have access to the MLS?  If you are not working with a realtor, it can be hard to find the data you need in a quick, easy way.  And analyzing the data you DO get can be a challenge.  So how do you estimate house value without MLS access in Grand Rapids?

1.  Understand the Neighborhood

Start by collecting data on houses in your target area.  If you know you would like to buy in a certain neighborhood or part of town, drive around!  See what is for sale, and then find the list price.  Check what kinds of amenities it has, in addition to the square footage, bedrooms, and bathrooms.

If you’re able to find 10 or more houses for sale in a given area, you can start to get a feel for prices and features in that area.  For instance, you might learn that $100,000 can get you a big house with a nice yard in one area, and a shoebox in another. Continue reading “How to Estimate House Value in Grand Rapids (without MLS Access)” →