Home Valuation

Why Knowing The Value Of Your Home Is Important-And Why A Zillow Zestimate Is Not An Accurate Tool.

If you’re using a Zillow Zestimate to get an accurate home valuation, you may get a skewed result, which could then affect your home’s listing price. While Zillow has historically provided relatively accurate estimates based on the year the home was built, the number of bedrooms, square footage, and other quantitative data, they’ve recently changed their algorithm. Even when Zillow was fairly accurate, it still provided only an estimate as opposed to a true valuation done by an appraiser or Comparative Market Analysis. Here’s how to get an accurate home valuation and why relying on Zillow or similar sites is usually a bad idea. Outstanding client service, experienced business practices, and ingenious marketing strategies are what make our team the most trusted team in the area.Outstanding client service, experienced business practices, and ingenious marketing strategies is what makes our team the most trusted team in the area.

main

What is a Home Valuation?

A home valuation is just a fancy way of saying what the value of your home is. They are used during real estate transactions such as buy-sell or refinances to ensure homeowners or buyers are not overborrowing for a property. The home is used for collateral in a mortgage, and if the borrower defaults on his or her loan, the lender will sell the home to recoup the money lent to buy it. If the home was overvalued and they lent too much, they could lose money. The home valuation ensures they will be able to recoup costs should the mortgage not be paid in full.

main

What is a Zillow Zestimate?

A Zillow Zestimate is an automated home valuation tool and is recommended as a starting point when determining the value of your home. It incorporates user-submitted and public data and takes into account home facts, location, and market conditions. Zestimates are done entirely online, and no representative of Zillow will visit your home to perform an appraisal. Banks and lenders do not use Zillow or similar services to estimate property and instead rely on the expertise of a licensed appraiser. A Zestimate can be off by nearly 5% nearly 40% of the time in some markets, which amounts to around $15,000 on a $300,000 home.

main

What is the Main Difference Between a Zillow Zestimate and a Valuation Performed by an Agent?

The main difference between the two is that a Zillow Zestimate is simply an algorithm. You punch in data, and a value pops out. There is no actual human involved who views your home, compares it against others on the market, and produces a detailed report. When an agent conducts a valuation, they are actively involved in the process and create a valuation that is personalized and in-depth.

My Testimonials

See why my clients love working with me.

B

Buyer

I am a first time home buyer, and like most first time buyers, I was extremely anxious and excited to start this next step in my life! Thank goodness for Taylor! She helped to keep those nerves at bay as much as possible! I kne...
Read More

G

Gary P.

Taylor was fantastic. She demonstrated stellar professionalism and honesty when listing our home. We would receive follow up calls each day in regards to what she has completed and to check up on how we are doing. Selling a hom...
Read More

C

Chris H.

Taylor is an incredibly knowledgeable, devoted and patient real estate professional. Growing up in the Capital Region she possesses a deep understanding of her geographic market. Taylor helped me purchase my first home and I wo...
Read More

B

Buyer

I decided to purchase a home earlier this year 100% ignorant to the process. On top of the ignorance, I am also shamefully careless by nature. So I decided to contact a professional. Taylor guided me through the paperwork and e...
Read More

B

Buyer

Taylor made finding our very first home fun and easy! Though we had absolutely no idea what we were doing at first, Taylor gave us sound, honest, and helpful advice every step of the way. She truly treated us like family and ma...
Read More

B

Buyer

Taylor went out of her way to meet with us multiple times and multiple homes. She kept us in the loop with everything that was going on and made us feel supported. She was very professional and always spoke to us on our level. ...
Read More

B

Buyer

Taylor was excellent. I was a first time home buyer and any questions I had she always helped with any of the answers. She was available all the time and always answered in a timely manner if not always right away. I would reco...
Read More

B

Buyer & Seller

Very eager and accommodating to all request. Made us her priority and always responded to us in a very reasonable amount of time. Passionate about her job and those she is working for.
Read More

D

Drew A.

Taylor was at the top of her game. She explained her marketing plan, we started the sales process and the property was under contract in 3 days for more than asking price. I would recommend Taylor to anyone who is ready to sell.
Read More

J

Jacob R.

Taylor was a great help with everything from finding the right property to closing. Quick response time helped me ask calm during the confusing closing process.
Read More

M

Mike & Fallon

Taylor is outstanding! She worked with Mike and I day in and day out. She truly went above and beyond to make sure we found the home of our dreams— checking every box that mattered most to us. She made sure we found the gorgeo...
Read More

S

Stephen M.

10/10. Taylor provided an initial timeline and set realistic and attainable expectations from the start which was helpful in dealing with the associated stresses. I loved that she made suggestions and allowed me to make decisio...
Read More

B

Buyer

Taylor will be our agent for all future real estate transactions. She was phenomenal. We were first time home buyers and for all of the planning and learning we did on our own, we still had lots of questions. What was supposed ...
Read More

S

Stefanie B.

Taylor helped us buy our first home and our experience was nothing short of exceptional. Beyond her professionalism, she is motivated, attentive and personable. Taylor simplified the process and went above and beyond from our f...
Read More

R

Rebecca Z.

Taylor is an exceptional agent/broker with expansive industry knowledge and a wonderful personality. She is professional and ethical and she is always willing to provide guidance, which is incredibly helpful if you're a first-t...
Read More

S

Seller

Very professional. Made the selling process stress free. Always quick to respond. Trustworthy and reliable. It was a pleasure working with Taylor and looking forward to her helping us make a new home purchase.
Read More

How much is your Santa Monica home worth?

  • Instant property valuation
  • Expert advice
  • Sell for more

How is a Valuation Performed?

There are two accurate ways to perform home valuations: with a Comparative Market Analysis and an appraisal. ​​​​​​​Here is how the two differ:

Why is a Valuation Important?

Though getting a valuation in order to sell your home is the most common reason to get a home valuation, it’s not the only one. ​​​​​​​Here are some more situations when a home valuation may be necessary:

Contact Us to Learn More.

Contact