Why You Shouldn’t Trust a Zestimate When Buying or Selling a Home

If you’ve ever looked up a home online—yours or someone else’s—you’ve likely seen a “Zestimate.” Zillow’s Zestimate is their proprietary estimate of a home’s value, and while it’s tempting to take it as truth (it’s right there in black and white, after all), it’s rarely the full story. In fact, relying on a Zestimate can cost you money, time, and peace of mind.

Here’s why.

1. It’s an Algorithm, Not an Appraisal

A Zestimate is created by a computer—not a human being who’s walked through your home or knows your neighborhood. It pulls from public data, nearby sales, and market trends. But it can’t see your remodeled kitchen, your new roof, your creek view—or the outdated house next door dragging values down.

An algorithm doesn’t know how your home feels. A licensed agent or appraiser does.

2. It Often Uses Incomplete or Outdated Data

Zestimates rely on public records, which aren’t always current or accurate. If a recent sale hasn't recorded yet, or your square footage is off in the county database, the Zestimate will reflect that error. In fast-moving or rural markets, this gap can be even bigger.

If Zillow thinks your 3-bedroom is a 2-bedroom, guess what? Your value’s off by tens of thousands of dollars.

3. Location Nuance Matters—and Zestimates Can’t See It

In real estate, location isn't just about ZIP code. It’s about what side of the street you’re on, your school district, walkability, traffic patterns, views, and micro-neighborhood vibes. Two homes one block apart can have wildly different values, and Zestimates just don’t get that level of nuance.

Your home isn’t a number—it’s part of a neighborhood story.

4. Zestimates Can Skew Buyer & Seller Expectations

When a Zestimate is too high, sellers may overprice their home and sit on the market too long. When it's too low, buyers might make unfair offers or miss out entirely. I’ve seen both scenarios lead to frustration, stress, and financial loss.

Real market value is based on what buyers are actually willing to pay today—not what an algorithm guessed last month.

5. A Local Agent Knows What Zillow Can’t

I walk homes. I talk to appraisers. I know what’s selling right now, why it sold, and how to position your home strategically. Whether you're buying or selling, real estate isn’t just a math problem—it’s a conversation, a negotiation, and a very human process.

Your Zestimate can be a starting point—but it should never be the decision-maker.

Trust Your Gut—and Your Guide

Zillow has its place, but it's not your pricing expert. When it’s time to get serious about buying or selling, get a real comparative market analysis (CMA) from a licensed local agent who knows your neighborhood, understands your goals, and can back it up with real data and real experience.

If you’re curious what your home is really worth—or what it could sell for in today’s market—I’m here for that.