Using MLS Data in Your Property Tax Appeal: Access and Presentation
TL;DR
MLS (Multiple Listing Service) data is the gold standard for comparable sales evidence. It includes detailed property information, photos, days on market, and actual sale prices. Most review boards give high weight to MLS data. Access it through a real estate agent (free), an agent CMA report, or a property tax appeal service. Present MLS data with printouts showing the listing details and sale price for each comparable.
Why MLS Data Is Best
The MLS contains the most detailed and current property transaction data available:
- Actual sale prices (not estimates)
- Detailed property descriptions written by the listing agent
- Interior and exterior photos
- Days on market (how long it took to sell)
- Price changes during the listing period
- Seller concessions and other terms
How to Access MLS Data Without Being a Realtor
Ask a Real Estate Agent
The simplest approach. Ask a local agent to pull comparable sales from the MLS. Many will do this for free or as part of a CMA. Specify what you need: homes similar to yours that sold in the past 12 months within 1 mile.
Use Property Tax Appeal Services
Services like ours pull from multiple data sources including MLS-derived data to find the strongest comparables for your property.
Check Real Estate Websites
Redfin displays much of the MLS data publicly, including sold prices and listing details. While not as complete as raw MLS access, it is a good substitute.
Presenting MLS Data
- Print the full listing page for each comparable sale
- Highlight the sale price, square footage, and property features
- Include the listing photos if they show relevant differences from your home
- Create a summary comparison table referencing each MLS listing
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I know about using mls data in your property tax appeal: access and presentation?
MLS (Multiple Listing Service) data is the gold standard for comparable sales evidence. It includes detailed property information, photos, days on market, and actual sale prices. Most review boards give high weight to MLS data.
Why MLS Data Is Best?
The MLS contains the most detailed and current property transaction data available:
How to Access MLS Data Without Being a Realtor?
The simplest approach. Ask a local agent to pull comparable sales from the MLS. Many will do this for free or as part of a CMA.
What should I know about presenting mls data?
Our $79 Evidence Packet provides comparable sales analysis from multiple data sources, formatted and ready for your appeal hearing.
Get Professional Evidence for Your Appeal
Our $79 Evidence Packet provides comparable sales analysis from multiple data sources, formatted and ready for your appeal hearing.