What are Commercial Comps and How to Use It to your Advantage When Investing

Commercial comps, or comparables, are a type of real estate analysis that compares similar properties to determine the value of a particular property.

This is typically done by looking at factors such as location, size, and amenities of the property and the sale prices of similar properties in the area. Commercial comps are commonly used by real estate investors, lenders, and appraisers to determine the market value of a property.

How to use commercial comps to find property values

To use commercial comps to see the value of a property, follow these steps:

1. Identify similar properties in the same area as the property you are valuing. These should be properties with similar characteristics, such as size, location, and amenities.
2. Collect information about comparable properties, including their sale prices, square footage, and relevant features or amenities.
3. Use this information to calculate an average sale price per square foot for comparable properties.
4. Apply this average sale price per square foot to the property you value to estimate its market value.

For example, if the comparable properties have an average sale price per square foot of $100 and the property you are valuing has 1,000 square feet, its estimated value would be $100,000.

Note that the value estimated using commercial comps is an approximation, and the property’s actual value may differ. It’s always a good idea to consult a professional appraiser or real estate agent to assess the property’s value more accurately.

Why Use Commercial Comps?

There are several reasons why commercial comps are used to find the value of a property:

1. They provide a way to compare similar properties in the same area, which can help determine the market value of a particular property.
2. They are based on factual data, such as sale prices and square footage, which can be more reliable than subjective opinions about a property’s value.
3. They can be a helpful starting point for determining the value of a property, especially when combined with other forms of analysis, such as a professional appraisal.
4. They can help investors, lenders, and appraisers make more informed decisions about a property’s value.

Commercial comps can be a valuable tool for anyone looking to determine the value of a property.

How to Use Commercial Comps:

1. Identify similar properties in the same area as the property you are valuing. These should be properties with similar characteristics, such as size, location, and amenities.
2. Collect information about comparable properties, including their sale prices, square footage, and relevant features or amenities.
3. Use this information to calculate an average sale price per square foot for comparable properties.
4. Apply this average sale price per square foot to the property you value to estimate its market value.

For example, if the comparable properties have an average sale price per square foot of $100 and the property you are valuing has 1,000 square feet, its estimated value would be $100,000.

It’s important to note that the value estimated using commercial comps is an approximation, and the property’s actual worth may differ. 

It’s always a good idea to consult a professional appraiser or agent to assess the property’s value more accurately.

Where to Find Commercial Comps?

Commercial comps can typically be found through real estate websites, public records, or consulting with a professional appraiser or real estate agent. Some real estate websites, such as MyElisting, allow users to search for comparable properties in a particular area. 

Public records, such as property tax assessments, can provide information about comparable properties. A professional appraiser or real estate agent can also provide information about similar properties, as well as help with the analysis of the data.

Commercial Comparables to Your Advantage in the Market

Using commercial comparables, or comps, can be advantageous in the real estate market in several ways. First, they provide a way to compare similar properties in the same area, which can help determine the market value of a particular property. This can help investors, lenders, and appraisers make more informed decisions about a property’s value.

Second, commercial comps are based on factual data, such as sale prices and square footage, which can be more reliable than subjective opinions about a property’s value. This can provide a more accurate estimate of a property’s market value.

Third, commercial comps can be a useful starting point for determining the value of a property, especially when combined with other forms of analysis, such as a professional appraisal. This can help ensure that the estimated value of a property is based on a comprehensive analysis.

Overall, using commercial comps can be a valuable tool for anyone looking to determine the value of a property in the real estate market.