Historical MLS data (in Chicago)?

Question

What's the best website for getting data on homes that have already been sold? I get the impression that only agents can access the MLS database of sold homes... but what's the next best option for a non-agent?

Answer 1

Your county clerk and recorder's office has it all. As far as websites go, they can be days, weeks, or months behind what a local realtor can find. If you have a relationship with a title insurance rep, they have it all pretty quick. Sites like Zillow.com are deceiving - be a bit wary. If it is just a basic search, why not ask a realtor to run it for you. We run them all the time - it's no skin off our noses and most of us are pretty easy to deal with on these things when the person asking is honest about just needing the info. and let us know up front that they are not going to use our services. If it is just a specific address you need, email me with it and I can get it for you with no problem or obligation. I am not even licensed there so I have nothing gain by handing out info.

Answer 2

It is true that only agents have complete access to the MLS. Even that being the case there are many game that they play with the MLS, such as re listing a house of it has been for sale to long.

Also there are several MLS and there are many houses not even on the MLS. such as new homes,forecloses,government owned, And there are some Realtors that did not even list on a MLS they call this exclusive listings.
As you can see controlling this data could give the appearance of a false shortage, thus driving up prices. I would call that a bubble and it is breaking.

http://www.breakingbubble.com/index.htm

Since this is the21th century I hope one day soon the housing market will be open and honest, this could be done with a mandatory, all inclusive, mandatory MLS that is publicly assessable.

What other so called investment can have so many hidden market that are not assessable to everybody.

Answer 3

Become an agent.