Zestimates -The inside scoop can know that the kitchen cabinetry is dated One ofthe questions that real estate agents often get from consumers is, "How yard backs to open space accurate are Zillow home valuc estimates?"As real estate agents, onc of our most Sites like Zillow have great potential to inform buyers. These property scarch ing of a home. Knowledge of the condi engincs have tons of uscful infoma- tion, including schools, recent sales and Zillow does not know that the sale price the property history. They also provide of te home down the street was impacted estimates on home value, which Zillow by aged systems, a wet basement or a calls "Zestimates." These estimates canbe new roof. The motivation of tlie parties is wildly off leaving the buyer or sellerwith always a factor, as are the terms of the deal. poor information to base an important dec This knowledge is what cnables an experi sion on important and challenging tasks is the pric- tion of comparable sales is crucial, and enced rcal cstate professional to compute a There are a number of reasons automated realistic anticipated sale price. valuation models are inaccurate. Geograp Ifyou are considering selling and want ically, the data Zillow uses is much broader an accurate valuation of your home, pleasc than a neighborhood or town. At times they call River Valley owner Kim Ward Bacso use extrapolated county data and in Bucks, to discuss your real cstate necds. My direct Mercer and Hunterdon counties that would dial is 908-616-2767, and I will person- be a wide rangc of valuc. ally make sure that you are matched with Another misfire is their consideration of aRiver Valley agent who knows your area municipal appraisals, which are not predic the best. tive of value. Most importantly, we must acknowledge that an automated system cannot think for itself. No algorithm, o matter how many mctric points support it Submitted by River lalley Realty