Valuation & Appraisal

    Sales Comparison Approach

    An appraisal method that estimates value by comparing the subject to recent sales of similar properties and adjusting the comparables toward the subject.

    The sales comparison approach estimates value by analyzing recent sales of comparable properties and adjusting their prices for differences from the subject. Adjustments are always made to the comparable, never to the subject.

    It is the primary method for residential property because similar homes usually sell often enough to provide reliable comparables.

    On the exam

    Adjust the comparable toward the subject: superior comparable, subtract; inferior comparable, add. Best for residential property.

    Exam trap

    Never adjust the subject property. All adjustments go to the comparables.

    Tested in

    Appraisal (8% of the exam)

    Practice this section →

    From definition to recall

    See this term inside a real exam question.

    Pass Florida gives you Florida-specific practice, diagnostics across the 19 exam areas, Trap Library, Math Coach, offline access, and one $39.99 purchase. No subscription. No copied exam questions.

    Try 5 free questions

    This definition is Florida real estate exam-prep education, not legal, tax, or professional advice. Verify current rules against the official source before relying on them for a real transaction. Back to the full glossary.