Our home was recently appraised for 650K. Zillow estimates the value at 521K. The estimate makes us one of the lowest priced homes in the subdivision. We have all upgrades in our home and it is the largest of the homes that were originally built in this subdivision. It was appraised at 750K before 2009. Our home has a basement. Neighbors do not have basement on one side and you appraised higher. Really? -- James E. - Fort Hunt

If you search the web for the phrase "Can I trust Zillow?" or "Can I trust Z-Estimates" you'll find many posts by angry homeowners and skeptical real estate buyers who have discovered the hard way just out inaccurate Zillow's pricing can be. Many people in Northern Virginia claim that Zillow's valuations have a margin of error of around 20%. Even if we assume the margin of error is only 10%, in Northern Virginia that means a "z-estimate" is only within $50,000 of the actual ideal price. If the margin of error is an improbable 5% that means that a z-estimate is only within $25,000 of the asking price.

Yet Zillow still remains popular with some people. Home sellers and home shoppers should know that there is not a single community in Northern Virginia where either a bank or tax collector uses Zillow for tax assessment or appraisals. Our expert advice is to take "valuations" from any computer at arm’s length. Putting too much stock into a website can cause a lot of disappointment.

Phone one of our agents today for a free comparative market analysis of your property's market value. We promise that a website won't set the value. Rather, your friendly neighborhood Nesbitt Realty Realtor will take into account the unique variables which make up your home's market value.