Zillow is a popular Internet marketer that "gives" "z-estimates" that purport to figure the value of each and every property in the United States. Zillow tries to reach this goal this feat by using a complicated program that compares factors which alter home values, but here's a typical story I have heard from home 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 Google the Internet for the phrase "Can I trust Zillow?" or "Can I trust Z-Estimates" you'll discover countless posts by upset property owners and skeptical property purchasers who have discovered the hard way just out inaccurate Zillow's pricing can be. Many people in North_arlington_englewood 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 value. If the margin of error is an impressive 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 real estate buyers should know that there is not a single community in North_arlington_englewood 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 great deal of disappointment.

Talk to one of our agents today for a free comparative market analysis of your property's value. We promise that a website won't set the ideal price. Rather, your friendly neighborhood Nesbitt Realty real estate agent will measure the unique variables which make up your real estate's ideal price.