PuyallupPuyallup Stats May 11, 2012

The value of Zillow

No doubt, Zillow is perhaps the most-visited real estate website.  Many of my clients frequent this site.  However, be advised that all the information shared on Zillow, comes with this Zillow disclaimer:

The Zestimate (pronounced ZEST-ti-met, rhymes with estimate) home valuation is Zillow’s estimated market value, computed using a proprietary formula. It is not an appraisal. It is a starting point in determining a home’s value. The Zestimate is calculated from public and user submitted data; your real estate agent or appraiser physically inspects the home and takes special features, location, and market conditions into account.  We encourage buyers, sellers, and homeowners to supplement Zillow’s information by doing other research such as:

* Getting a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) from a real estate agent

* Getting an appraisal from a professional appraiser

* Visiting the house (whenever possible)

BOTTOM LINE: Continue to reference Zillow for home sales information, it’s a great place to begin.  However, add a second step and enlist the support of a Realtor for the most accurate information with regard to a home’s anticipated market value, substantiated by actual comparable sold properties.

For assistance with determining your home’s actual market value, please give me a call!  Happy to help!