We admit it. We love checking home values online too.
It is fun to type in your address and see a number pop up instantly. It gives you a great snapshot of where the market is moving and how your investment is growing.
Whether you are using a national real estate site or receiving a monthly market report from our team, these automated estimates are fantastic tools. They crunch a lot of data very quickly to give you a ballpark figure.
However, an online algorithm cannot visit your home in person.
While online estimates are a great starting point, they are based on data, not details. They look at averages in your neighborhood, but they don’t know what makes your home special.
Here is a look at what those online numbers might be missing and how we help you fill in the blanks.
1. The “Condition” Factor
Algorithms work by comparing your home to other homes that sold nearby. If a house down the street sold for a high price, the computer assumes your house is worth about the same.
But the computer doesn’t know why that neighbor’s house sold for so much.
It doesn’t know that your neighbor just spent $50,000 on a brand new kitchen. It also doesn’t know that you have kept your home in pristine condition while the house across the street needs a new roof.
Computers assume every home is “average.” If your home is in better-than-average condition, your online estimate might be too low.
2. Upgrades and Finishes
Did you recently finish your basement? Did you install hardwood floors or upgrade your master bath?
Online tools are great at counting bedrooms and bathrooms, but they are not very good at valuing quality.
To an algorithm, a bathroom is just a bathroom. It often cannot tell the difference between standard builder-grade tile and high-end marble. It counts the square footage, but it misses the value of the finishes you have chosen.
When we value your home, we add value for these specific upgrades. We know that a renovated kitchen adds real dollars to your bottom line, even if the algorithm doesn’t see it.
3. Location Nuances
Real estate is incredibly local. Sometimes, value changes from one street to the next.
An online estimate knows your zip code, but it might not know that your specific street is the quietest one in the neighborhood. It might not know that your backyard opens up to a wooded park, while the house a block away backs up to a busy road.
These small location details make a huge difference to buyers. A quiet, private lot is worth significantly more than a busy one, even if the houses are the exact same size.
From Estimate to Accuracy
We use technology every day in our business. We believe automated reports are a great way to keep a pulse on the general market trends.
But when you really need to know what your home is worth, you need a human eye.
We take the data and combine it with context. We look at your specific upgrades, the condition of your home, and the unique features that make your property stand out.
Your home is likely your biggest financial asset. It deserves more than a computer-generated guess.
Reach out to us today for a professional valuation. We will make sure your home gets the credit it deserves so you can plan your future with an accurate number.
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