Zillow vs. Appraiser: What’s the Real Value of Your Home?

In today’s digital age, it's easy to pull up a “Zestimate” on Zillow and feel like you’ve got a solid idea of what your home is worth. But how does that online estimate compare to a professional real estate appraisal? As certified appraisers, we get this question all the time—and it’s an important one.

Let’s break it down.

What is a Zestimate?

Zillow's Zestimate is an automated valuation model (AVM) that uses public data, user-submitted information, and algorithms to estimate a home’s value. It’s fast, convenient, and free. But there's a catch: it’s also limited.

Zillow doesn’t walk through your home. It doesn’t know that you just remodeled your kitchen, added a sunroom, or upgraded your HVAC. It can’t smell pet odors, see deferred maintenance, or notice how your property stacks up against nearby homes on a quiet cul-de-sac vs. a busy street.

In short, it’s a starting point—not a final say.

What Does an Appraiser Do Differently?

A professional appraiser provides a detailed, unbiased opinion of value based on:

• A physical inspection of the property

• Recent sales of comparable homes (not just ones nearby)

• Local market trends

• Location-specific factors like school districts, zoning, and flood zones

• Home condition, upgrades, and unique features

We don’t rely solely on algorithms—we rely on facts, experience, and local expertise. Our reports are often required by lenders, attorneys, and tax professionals because they stand up to scrutiny.

Why the Two Values Can Be So Different

It’s not uncommon for a Zestimate to be off by tens of thousands of dollars—or more. In some cases, we've seen homeowners shocked by how far off Zillow is, especially in areas with fewer sales or homes with unique features.

Some common reasons for the gap:

• Recent upgrades not reflected in public data

• Unique property characteristics (custom layouts, views, acreage, etc.)

• Limited or inaccurate sales data

• Rapidly changing market conditions

  
  

When Accuracy Matters, Go With a Pro

If you’re just curious, a Zestimate is fine. But if you’re refinancing, settling an estate, dividing assets, appealing taxes, or listing your home for sale—it’s time to call a licensed appraiser.

We provide the kind of in-depth analysis that online tools can’t match. Because at the end of the day, your home isn’t just numbers on a spreadsheet. It’s a complex asset—and we’re here to help you understand its true value.

Want to know what your home is really worth? Contact us today for a professional appraisal you can trust.