§ 03 / METHOD
the math,
not the marketing.
Every step of how PlainComp arrives at a number is documented below. No black boxes. No vague accuracy bragging. The right way to evaluate any valuation tool is to run it on properties you already know — we walk through how to do exactly that further down.
01 / METHOD
Four steps from address to valuation. Every step is designed to be explainable and inspectable.
01
LIVE COMPARABLE SALES
We pull recent, real sales data for properties near your subject — not stale estimates or outdated databases. Every valuation starts with what actually sold.
02
REGRESSION ADJUSTMENTS
Ridge regression adjusts each comp for differences in square footage, lot size, beds, and other features. Removes guesswork from the adjustment process.
03
MULTI-FACTOR SCORING
Each comp is scored and weighted by proximity, recency, and similarity to the subject. Better comps carry more weight in the final estimate.
04
CONFIDENCE GRADING
Every valuation gets a letter grade A through E that quantifies reliability, based on comp availability, price spread, and data quality.
02 / DIFFERENT
How PlainComp differs in structure from other consumer AVMs and from a manual CMA. These are design choices, not accuracy claims. Accuracy you verify yourself on properties you know.
| DIMENSION | ▮ PLAINCOMP | ○ MOST OTHERS |
|---|---|---|
| TRANSPARENCY | Full breakdown shown | Black box or partial |
| COMP DETAIL | Every comp visible | Hidden or aggregated |
| CONFIDENCE GRADE | A through E + reasoning | Range or none |
| LEAD CAPTURE | None | Routes to agents or brokerage |
| SPEED | Under 5 seconds | Instant to 2-4 hours |
▮ 03 / VERIFY
The honest way to evaluate a valuation tool is to run it on properties you already know the answer to. Don't trust a marketing-page accuracy claim from any vendor, including this one. Spot-test in three steps.
PICK 3 PROPERTIES YOU ALREADY KNOW
A recent personal sale, a friend's house that closed in the last 90 days, or a property you have a recent appraisal on. The point is you already know the true value.
RUN EACH ON PLAINCOMP
Free tier covers three valuations per month. Drop in each address, let the model pull comps and produce a valuation with a confidence grade.
COMPARE OUTPUT TO KNOWN VALUE
Check the comp selections, the adjustments, and the final number. The methodology only earns its keep if the output tracks reality in your market.
The methodology only matters if the output tracks reality in your market. A formal public reproducible backtest is on the roadmap; until that ships, the test that matters is the one you run on properties you already understand. Not an appraisal. PlainComp output reflects external comparable-sales data only and cannot assess interior condition, renovations, or anything requiring physical inspection.
04 / RUN ONE
run a valuation.
See the comps, the adjustments, and the confidence grade. No credit card.