It’s easy to fall into the trap of using online tools to figure out your home’s value. With just a few clicks, you get a number — but here’s the thing: those automated estimates can be way off. They don’t know your neighborhood like we do, and they certainly can’t see the unique details of your home.
Before you even think about sticking a “For Sale” sign in your yard based on an online estimate, let’s talk about why these tools can miss the mark and why you need a real estate expert to get it right.
The Truth About Online Home Values
Online estimates are a great starting point, but that’s all they are — a starting point. They pull data from public records, but the data they use is often incomplete or outdated. Ramsey Solutions says it best:
“Online Home Value Estimators Aren’t 100% Accurate . . . The estimates are only as reliable as the amount of public record data the real estate websites can access.”
In other words, the less they know about your specific area or your home’s unique features, the more off-base those numbers can be.
What Online Tools Miss
Here’s what automated tools just can’t do:
- See Your Home’s Condition: Is your house in mint condition or does it need some TLC? An algorithm can’t tell. The condition of your home has a huge impact on its value.
- Spot Neighborhood Trends: Is your neighborhood up-and-coming? Are there new parks, schools, or shopping centers nearby? We keep current these local trends, but online tools can’t keep up.
- Compare the Right Comps: Online tools use past sales, but they don’t always pull the most accurate or recent ones. We have real-time access to the MLS and know exactly what homes like yours are selling for today.
Why Work With Us?
We’ve been in Western Washington market for years, and we know what it takes to price a home right. Unlike online tools, we bring context, expertise, and insights that help you make informed decisions. As Bankrate puts it:
“Online estimation tools determine pricing using algorithms that...typically don’t account for a home’s current condition or any upgrades or renovations... So they are not as accurate as in-person methods, like a real estate agent’s comparative market analysis.”
Let’s Get It Right
Sure, online tools can give you a ballpark figure, but if you’re serious about selling, you need the real deal. We’re here to provide you with a detailed, accurate valuation of your home based on the latest market trends, your neighborhood, and your home’s unique features.
Give us a call today or send us a message. Let’s talk about what your home is really worth and how we can help you sell it for the best possible price.
Our Listing Process
With Shane & Anne, our mission is to prioritize our clients in every aspect of the real estate journey. We are committed to providing exceptional service and expertise in the luxury real estate market. Guided by our core values, we strive to build lasting relationships based on trust and mutual respect.
Our Core Values:
- Loyalty: We are unwavering in our commitment to our clients, always putting their needs and interests first.
- Honesty: We operate with the highest level of integrity, providing truthful and transparent communication at every step.
- Confidentiality: We respect our clients' privacy and handle all transactions with the utmost discretion.
We are committed to staying ahead of market trends and continuously enhancing our skills and knowledge to deliver unparalleled results. Our goal is to make the real estate experience as smooth and rewarding as possible, ultimately helping our clients achieve their real estate dreams.