Pg -
The below answers are correct and excellent answers! I can only add that as far as closing costs go, Realtors do have access to closing costs paid by seller information via FMLS assuming the property is listed there and the information is reported correctly.

When finding comps for clients I always include this information (as Joshua mentioned we are really looking for the NET to the seller). At this time, there is no way of knowing if the purchase price includes a down payment assistance program, if furniture or riding lawn mowers or any item of major value are included in this price. We can often at least look at the pictures to these comps and tell if the property has been updated or is more of a fixer upper.

So while the tax records do not reflect this information, a good Realtor can get an idea of the real numbers for you - Julie makes a great point of having your representative actually contact the listing agent on any comparable properties to get the real story whenever possible.

Best of luck to you!

No, as Joshua mentioned, all that is recorded is the purchase price not the details of seller paid items for the buyer. Also closing costs are all the little fees associated with the transaction that add up (like escrow and title, etc.) and are normally paid by the buyer, unless requested that the seller contribute or cover those costs. If the buyer's agent "resolves" an issue along the way with a reduction or increase of purchase price, then this amount would be shown in the county's sales record. When an agent is doing a CMA for a client it is good to ask questions to the past selling and listing agent on a sold property to get the whole picture when determining value.

Pg,

Most of the time, No.

What you are asking is the same age old question every good Realtor ask, "Why aren't we dealing with Seller Net? Instead, we have these crazy offers with 3% down payment assistance, and closing costs and decorating allowances. In the end, you have a puffed up sales price that may or may not be a true reflection of the value.

Just my two cents.