Where to find local market data, both current and past

[maxplanck6]

I'm trying to find market data for a given neighborhood in my local area (northeastern Illinois).

First, I need to find a list of sale prices, addresses, and sale dates. Where can this info be found?

I'll also need to find out the square footage, # bed/bath rooms, garage y/n/# cars, lot size etc. for each sold property. This data can be found in current MLS listings, but what about properties that have sold in the past? Is there any way to access old MLS listings?

Thanks a lot, any info would be much appreciated

[coastal]

Call a local Realtor.

[SteveTheSultan]

I'm trying to find market data for a given neighborhood in my local area (northeastern Illinois).

First, I need to find a list of sale prices, addresses, and sale dates. Where can this info be found?

I'll also need to find out the square footage, # bed/bath rooms, garage y/n/# cars, lot size etc. for each sold property. This data can be found in current MLS listings, but what about properties that have sold in the past? Is there any way to access old MLS listings?

Thanks a lot, any info would be much appreciated

Best place is to go to the property appraiser or tax collector. There information is "official" Depending on the public records laws, you can ask for a dump of the property appraiser data base.

Sometimes the PA or TC web sites they have downloads available so you can get the records in bulk. Its the raw data, so you would need to put it into a spread sheet or something but it gives you a high amount of detail and is more accurate than MLS

[Ryan Ward]

Never would I say that the data from the county is more accurate than MLS info - at least not where I live. In fact, nothing could be farther from the truth. Bedrooms incorrect, bathrooms wrong, lot size...you name it.

Is it more accurate in other parts of the country?

[SteveTheSultan]

For about 50 of the 67 counties in Florida, the data from the PA and TC are spot on. They track sales histories and other details about the properties. Part of the reason is that when the property is sold, they have to prorate the pay them at closing. So the data is updated frequently.

Probably the main reason why the data is updated is they county's budget is based on the income from property taxes.

[papaul1621]

Find out who is the neighborhood real estate specialist. That person might even know that data without looking it up on the MLS.

[yesorno]

Best place is to go to the property appraiser or tax collector. There information is "official" Depending on the public records laws, you can ask for a dump of the property appraiser data base.

Sometimes the PA or TC web sites they have downloads available so you can get the records in bulk. Its the raw data, so you would need to put it into a spread sheet or something but it gives you a high amount of detail and is more accurate than MLS

got it.

[gregharaksin]

Never would I say that the data from the county is more accurate than MLS info - at least not where I live. In fact, nothing could be farther from the truth. Bedrooms incorrect, bathrooms wrong, lot size...you name it.

Is it more accurate in other parts of the country?

I see it occasionally. A 2500 sq ft home with one bathroom?? I don't think so.

I just closed a deal where the listing agent wanted my buyers to sign a copy of the tax record as 'received and approved'. I don't know the point in that, but we didn't sign it.

[Northern_IL]

If you are a MLSNI member, just go into the archives. Instead of using "Connect", click on "RE Xplorer". You'll find everything you need there.


Good Luck

[svrpaul]

Best place is to go to the property appraiser or tax collector. There information is "official" Depending on the public records laws, you can ask for a dump of the property appraiser data base.

Sometimes the PA or TC web sites they have downloads available so you can get the records in bulk. Its the raw data, so you would need to put it into a spread sheet or something but it gives you a high amount of detail and is more accurate than MLS

Unfortunately, that's not true up here. I can specifically point out some deals where the information in a certain county STILL has not been updated 9 months later. Sad but True. (They collected the money on the transfer taxes though --- and I have a receipt showing that even took four months to process.)

Property taxes are paid in arrears up here so I guess that is the excuse but it's a very inefficient system up here IMO compared to other markets I know.