Real Talk with Jackie: Zillow Ain’t Gospel — Let’s Talk Value vs. Zestimate

Let’s clear something up right away. Zillow is not your personal appraiser. It’s a great tool for browsing homes and dreaming about your next move, but when it comes to putting a true value on your property, that Zestimate isn’t the golden ticket. It’s a computer-generated estimate that doesn’t account for the things that actually make your home special—or the market conditions in your neighborhood right now.

Zillow has never walked through your house. It doesn’t know you upgraded the HVAC last year or that your backyard is an oasis with custom landscaping and a koi pond. It doesn’t see the freshly remodeled kitchen, the school zone advantage, or the lack of nearby competition. And while the Zestimate might get in the ballpark, close enough isn't good enough when you're talking about your biggest asset.

Here’s the other thing. Buyers are watching those online estimates too, and if your pricing strategy is based on them, it can backfire fast. Either you scare off buyers by listing too high, or you leave money on the table by trusting an algorithm that undervalues what your home is truly worth. That’s why you need local data, current buyer behavior, and real-time market knowledge—all of which a live person like me brings to the table.

When we work together, I don’t take shortcuts. I run the comps, walk your property, and explain what the market is actually doing around you. This isn’t a guessing game. It’s a strategy. You deserve to have pricing advice based on facts and experience, not automation.

If you’re curious about what your home is really worth in today’s market, let’s talk. I’ll give you the real numbers and a plan that works for your goals. Give me a call or shoot me a text. Let’s connect.