Zillow is not the market

     I have conversations with homeowners as well as potential buyers on a daily basis, and here lately, the topic regarding Zillow's value estimate has resurfaced as a very popular topic of conversation. So much so, that I feel as if this week's newsletter should touch on the matter. If you’ve ever typed your address into Zillow, you’ve probably seen your home’s “Zestimate.” While it can be fun to see what the algorithm says your home is worth, relying on that number alone can be risky, especially if you’re thinking about selling.


     Here’s why:


         1. The Algorithm Isn’t Always Accurate- Zillow’s Zestimate is based on a formula that pulls public records and nearby sales. But it doesn’t know the upgrades you’ve made, the condition of your home, or the unique features that make it stand out. 


          2. Uninformed Listings Can Skew the Numbers- When the neighbor next door decides to sell his home as For Sale by Owners or an inexperienced agent post a home with the wrong price, square footage, or details, Zillow’s system uses that incorrect data in its calculations. That means your Zestimate could rise or fall based on bad information not true market value.


          3, Zillow Doesn’t Walk Through Your Home- A computer can’t see your brand new kitchen, your backyard oasis, or the way your floor plan works better than the house down the street. Only a real, local expert can factor in those details. Algorithms can’t capture upgrades, condition, or the "feel" of a home that buyers actually care about.


      At the end of the day, Zillow should serve as a starting point, but not the full story. If you’re curious about your "real" home value in today’s market, the best step is to get a personalized analysis from a professional who knows your neighborhood.


        I’d be happy to prepare a complimentary, no-obligation market evaluation for your home so you can see the numbers you can actually rely on. Simply reply "REAL VALUE" to this email to receive a complimentary report right to your email. 

     IN OTHER NEWS:  Zillow & Redfin have been sued by several states alongside the FTC over rental listings


     The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and five states have filed antitrust lawsuits against Zillow and Redfin, alleging a $100 million deal in February 2025 aimed at eliminating competition in the multifamily rental advertising market. 


       Regulators claim the agreement harmed renters and property managers by reducing competition in a highly concentrated market, while both companies deny the allegations and defend the deal as beneficial


   For more information visit the full article here: