Zillow is a popular Internet marketer that provides computerized estimates which claim to figure the value of each home in the United States. Zillow tries to reach this goal this feat by using a sophisticated logarithm which compares factors which alter property values, but here's a story I have heard from real estate sellers in Northern Virginia:

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 Internet for the phrase "Can I trust Zillow?" or "Can I trust Z-Estimates" you'll discover countless testimonials by upset homeowners and leery property buyers who have discovered the hard way just out inaccurate Zillow's pricing can be. Many people in Petitts_landing report that Zillow's estimates 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 unlikley 5% that means that a z-estimate is only within $25,000 of the asking price.

Yet Zillow (for now) remains popular with some buyers and sellers. Real estate sellers and home purchasers should understand that there is not a single neighborhood in Petitts_landing where either a bank or tax collector uses Internet for tax assessment or appraisals. Our professional advice is to take estimates from any online site with a grain of salt. Putting too much reliance into a computer can cause a great deal of disappointment.

Connect with us today for a free comparative market analysis of your property's market value. We promise that a website won't set the market value. Rather, your friendly neighborhood Nesbitt Realty real estate pro will account for the unique variables which make up your home's value.