Comparable Sales Access - Utah County Real Estate

By: Robert A. Hulme - Realtor - Loan Officer -Utah County, Including Provo, Orem, Pleasant Grove, American Fork, Lehi, Highland, Alpine and Cedar Hills, Eagle Mountain, Payson, Saratoga Springs, Spanish Fork, Springville, Mortgage Xpress, Agent

One of the most accessible sources of comparable sales is the public record. When someone buys a home the property is deeded from the seller to the buyer. In most circumstances, this deed is recorded at the local county recorder's office. They combine sales data with information already known about the property so they can assess property taxes correctly.

Accessing the data can be somewhat difficult for the general public. Realtors gain access through title insurance companies. The title companies either compile the data directly from the county recorder's office or purchase it from other companies. One problem with the public record is that it tends to run a little behind. By the time the consumer is able to access the information it has generally been 10 to 14 weeks since the final transaction was recorded.