Last Updated on August 24, 2026
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Author: Jessa May Bautista
Reviewed by: Josh Blanchard
Fact Checked by: Jack Aldous
Found a tax deed parcel with a low back-tax amount and wondering if it’s actually a good deal? The assessed value alone won’t tell you. What matters is the property’s real market value, and you don’t need a realtor or MLS access to find it. Using a few free websites, you can pull accurate comps, compare them against county data, and decide whether a property is worth bidding on. Here’s how to do it.
Table of contents
How to Pull Accurate Property Comps Without a Realtor or the MLS
You can pull property comps for free by comparing recently sold properties near the target property that are similar in size, type, condition, lot size, and location.
Do not rely only on the county’s assessed value. Before a tax deed auction, check recent sales on sites like Zillow, Redfin, Realtor.com, and county property records. Focus on properties sold within the last 3–6 months and as close to the subject property as possible.
The goal is simple: find what similar properties are actually selling for, then use those sales to estimate the property’s current market value.
Key Takeaways
- Comps, or comparables, help estimate a property’s market value by comparing similar recently sold homes.
- Use at least three free websites like Zillow and Realtor.com to pull property comps and assess values accurately.
- Check actual sale prices and adjust estimates based on neighborhood trends to avoid overpaying.
- Skip properties where back taxes equal estimated market value, as there’s no potential for profit.
- Verifying neighborhood conditions in person can reveal issues that online estimates might miss.
What Are Property Comps and Why Do They Matter?
Property comps are recently sold properties similar in location, size, type, and condition. They help estimate what a property may actually sell for.
For tax lien or tax deed investing, comps help you compare the property’s estimated market value against the taxes owed, auction price, and other costs. A larger gap between your total investment and the property’s likely value may provide more room for profit.
Which Free Websites Provide Property Comps?
Several public sites offer pricing data. When we research a property, we usually pull comps from at least three sources and compare them to county assessments. Here are the main platforms:
- Zillow – Provides Zestimate® estimates and lists recent sales. Scroll down on a property page to see sold homes with similar bed, bath, and square footage.
- HomeSnap / HomeNap – Offers property history and neighborhood stats with a mobile‑friendly interface.
- Realtor.com – Aggregates MLS data and publishes recent sale prices.
- PropertyShark – Useful for deeper research on ownership history and comparable properties.
- Trulia – Focuses on neighborhood trends and sale histories.
If one site shows a value far different from others, treat it as an outlier. Average the results to get a starting estimate, then verify with additional data.
How Do You Compare and Adjust Comps?
- Pull at least three estimates
For each property, note the values from different sites along with the county’s assessed value. For example, if Zillow estimates $100,000, Realtor.com shows $60,000 and HomeSnap shows $105,000, check which two values are closest and average them.
- Check actual sale prices
Don’t rely solely on estimates. On Zillow or Realtor.com, scroll to the “recently sold” section and filter for similar homes (bedrooms, bathrooms, square footage). Focus on sales within the last six months so the data reflects current market conditions.
- Adjust for neighborhood trends
If similar homes in the area sold for $80,000 even though your average estimate is $100,000, lower your expected value. Remember: a property is only worth what buyers are currently paying.
When Should You Skip a Property?
Always compare the back‑tax amount to your estimated market value. If a parcel owes $10,000 in taxes and your research suggests it might only sell for $10,000, there’s no spread for profit. Skip properties where you can’t build significant equity after paying taxes and fees.
Tips for Verifying Neighborhood Conditions
Online estimates can miss on‑the‑ground realities. Driving by properties lets you see if there are structural issues, illegal additions, or neighborhood features that could affect value. When we split up counties during a scouting trip, one of us noticed a hidden easement that wasn’t visible online. Seeing the property in person changed our bidding strategy
Frequently Asked Questions
Aim for at least three reliable estimates plus the county assessment. More data helps you spot outliers.
No. By using free sites and careful comparison, you can get a reasonable estimate for most tax deed properties. However, local agents may provide additional insight if you’re investing in unfamiliar markets.
It depends on the real market value. If the assessed value is $3,000 but similar homes in the area sell for only $2,000, the property may not be profitable.
Ready to buy your first tax deed property? Explore our free resources and get a complimentary mini‑course. If you prefer personal guidance, book a free call with our team. We’ll help you create a custom plan and show you how to find deals that fit your budget and goals.
Related Links
