How can I find an average price per square foot figure for a certain zip code?
The average price per square foot figure is going to be misleading if you calculate it for an entire zip code. One zip code can contain many different neighborhoods and different types of homes each with different pricing. To get a realistic number for comparing prices between homes in a given area you need to be more specific. A better question would be “what is the average price per square foot for homes of similar size, age and style within a 1/2 mile radius.” If you are trying to compare one neighborhood to another then you might ask “what’s the average selling price for a 1500 square foot home” in each neighborhood. Whenever you are looking at home values remember to find closed sales and don’t use the prices for homes currently listed for sale. They may or may not be priced correctly for the market and may never sell. You’d hate to price your home based on soembody else’s unrealistic expectations. Better yet-consult a Realtor.
