Zillow is a billion-dollar Internet marketer that "gives" computerized estimates that claim to figure the market value of each and every residence in the United States. Zillow tries to accomplish this feat by using a sophisticated program that crossreferences factors which alter real estate values, but here's a typical story I have heard from property 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 web for the phrase "Can I trust Zillow?" or "Can I trust Z-Estimates" you'll find countless complaints by upset homeowners and skeptical property buyers who have discovered the hard way just out inaccurate Zillow's pricing can be. Many people in Stratford Place At Kings report that Zillow's valuations have a margin of error of approximately 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 astounding 5% that means that a z-estimate is only within $25,000 of the asking price.

Yet Zillow still remains popular with some real estate shoppers. Real estate sellers and property purchasers should understand that there is not a single community in Stratford Place At Kings where either a bank or tax collector uses Zillow for tax assessment or appraisals. Our professional advice is to take estimates from any website with a grain of salt. Putting too much reliance into a computer can cause a great deal of disappointment.

Contact us today for a free comparative market analysis of your property's value. We promise that a website won't set the market value. Instead, your friendly neighborhood Nesbitt Realty real estate agent will take into account the complicated variables which make up your home's sales value.