Finding Comparable Sales by Property Type

Why this matters

Comparing recent property sales is essential for evaluating market value, supporting acquisition decisions, or estimating resale potential. PropertyShark’s Comparables Tool allows you to run comps based on multiple property types - entire buildings, individual units, or parcels identified only by BBL/Parcel ID - using accurate public record data.

This article walks you through each method, so you can choose the best workflow depending on the kind of property you are evaluating.

What you’ll do

You will learn how to run comparables in three ways:

1. Using a Parcel ID or BBL
2. For Entire Buildings
3. For Condo/Co-op Units

1. Run Comps Using Parcel ID or BBL

This is ideal when you don’t have a physical address but only a Parcel ID or BBL (NYC Borough-Block-Lot number).

Steps:

• Click Comparables from the top navigation.
• Choose the property type you wish to evaluate (Building, Land, Unit).
• In the Subject Property field, enter the Parcel ID or BBL (e.g., 2-04898-0015).
• Partial entries are accepted; suggestions will auto-populate.
• Click Search to view comparables.
• Use the filters on the left pane (sale date, radius, property class) to refine results.
• Save your search criteria or export the results if needed.

Pro Tips

• If no suggestions appear, try removing leading zeros or entering only the numeric portion of the BBL.
• Widen the search radius or sale date to expand your result set.

2. Run Comps for Entire Buildings

Use this workflow when evaluating the market value of a full building (multi-family, retail, office, etc.).

Steps:

• Click Comparables from the main menu.
• Select Building as the property type.
• Begin typing the address in the Subject Property field and select the correct building.
• Adjust your comparables criteria:
• Sale Date Range (e.g., last 6–12 months)
• Radius (e.g., 0.25–1 mile)
• Building Class (must match your subject property)
• Click Search.
• View, sort, and filter your results to identify true market comparables.
• Use Save Search to retain the criteria or Export to download results.

Pro Tips

• Always match building class to avoid mixing incomparable asset types (e.g., retail vs multi-family).
• If results are limited, expand your radius or look back further in time.

3. Run Comps for Condo or Co-op Units

Use this option to evaluate an individual unit within a larger building, such as a condo or co-op apartment.

Steps:

• Go to Comparables in the top navigation.
• Select Unit as the property type (Condo or Co-op).
• In the Subject Property field, type the property address and unit number, then select the match.
• Adjust the filters:
• Sale Date
• Radius (start with “Same building” if available)
• Unit size/floor level
• Click Search.
• Review comparable unit sales, verify attributes like view, layout, or condition.
• Save the criteria or export results.

Pro Tips

• For newer or unique units, expand your search radius beyond the building to include similar units in neighboring buildings.
• Units on different floors with different views may not be directly comparable; use the filters to narrow results.

Refining, Saving & Exporting Results
Filtering

• Use the left-hand panel to refine results by:
  • • • • Sale Date Range
        • Radius or Search Boundary
        • Building Class
        • Property Characteristics
        • Saving Searches
• Click Save Search to store your criteria only (results are not saved and will refresh each time).
• Saved searches help streamline future valuations.

Exporting

• Use the Export button to download results in Excel or PDF format.
• Export activity may count against your monthly quota depending on subscription type.