Is My Zillow Estimate Accurate?

If you have ever typed your address into Zillow, you are not alone. It is one of the first things many homeowners and sellers do when they start thinking about a move. Zillow’s “Zestimate” feels quick, easy, and official. But the real question is this: Is your Zillow estimate actually accurate?

The short answer? Sometimes. But often, not in the way that matters most.

Zillow uses an algorithm that pulls from public records, recent sales, tax data, and basic home information. It can be helpful for getting a very broad idea of value, especially in areas where homes are similar and sales are frequent. But that is also where the limitations show up.

What Zillow cannot see is what truly drives value in today’s market.

Zillow does not walk through your home. It does not know if your kitchen was renovated last year or if your basement has water issues. It does not factor in layout quirks, natural light, finishes, condition, or how your home compares to others buyers are actually choosing between. It also cannot account for hyper local trends like buyer demand in your specific neighborhood, multiple offer activity, or how pricing strategy impacts final sale price.

In fast changing markets, Zestimates can lag behind reality. In slower or shifting markets, they can overshoot what buyers are willing to pay. That is why two neighbors can have nearly identical homes, yet sell for very different prices.

Another important thing to know is this: Zillow’s estimate is not a pricing strategy. It is just a number. Pricing a home correctly is about positioning, timing, and understanding buyer behavior, not just math.

This is where working with a local Realtor makes all the difference.

As a local specialist, I look at sold homes, active competition, current buyer demand, condition, upgrades, and neighborhood trends. I also consider how to price your home to attract the strongest offers, not just clicks online. My goal is not to give you a feel good number. It is to help you make smart, informed decisions that protect your bottom line.

So if you are wondering whether your Zillow estimate is accurate, consider it a starting point, not the final answer.

If you want a real, honest valuation based on today’s market and your specific home, let’s talk. Real estate is not one size fits all, and neither is your home.

That is Real Estate Unfiltered.