cash offer

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.

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.

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.

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.

Seller

I'm certain we would not have sold our house within a week, above our asking price, had Lisa not been our Realtor.

Buyer

Very thorough professional service. Answered our questions and helped out with our home-buying experience. Gave helpful advice. Would highly recommend it.

Seller & Buyer

She worked overtime to help us find and buy the perfect home for us which, was contingent on selling our old house. There was a lot of uncertainty. She worked so hard for us! She is the best Realtor.

Jillian

Lisa was very patient with us and spent hours each day showing us homes until we found the perfect one. She was very knowledgeable and helped us throughout the whole process. I would definitely use her again for any future needs.

Seller & Buyer

We've used her twice. Both times she has gotten the nearly impossible job done. Lisa’s ability to stay one step ahead of our expectations is what stands out most. The fact that everything fell into place within the schedule tha...

Seller

Her insight into the market was static and accurate. Lisa is an incredible agent. She took the time to give me choices on the way to market and price the sale of my home. Lisa represented and negotiated and always had my best i...

Seller

Lisa is an incredible agent. She took the time to give me choices on the way to market and price the sale of my home. Her insight into the market was static and accurate. Lisa represented and negotiated and always had my best i...

Buyer

I had recently had to terminate my relationship with two other Realtors. I was beginning to believe that it was a problem on my end until I met Lisa. She took the entire transaction by the horns and was always one step ahead of...

Buyer and Seller

Lisa is superb! She helped us find our first home in the exact neighborhood we were looking for, and at a short sale, leading to a superb investment when we sold it 4 years later and upgraded. When we sold the first house, she ...

How much is your home worth in full cash?

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:

Comparative Market Analysis.

A Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) is a tool used by real estate agents to value a home. It evaluates similar homes that have recently sold in the same area. Agents find comparable sales and use them to conduct a sales comparison. In most cases, an agent will find three homes that have recently sold and are as similar to and located as close to the home being valued as possible. Each one is then analyzed to pinpoint differences between it and the home being valued. Once these differences are priced out, the price of each comp is adjusted to see what it would cost if it was identical to the home being valued were it to be sold in the current market.
Comparative Market Analysis.

A Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) is a tool used by real estate agents to value a home. It evaluates similar homes that have recently sold in the same area. Agents find comparable sales and use them to conduct a sales comparison. In most cases, an agent will find three homes that have recently sold and are as similar to and located as close to the home being valued as possible. Each one is then analyzed to pinpoint differences between it and the home being valued. Once these differences are priced out, the price of each comp is adjusted to see what it would cost if it was identical to the home being valued were it to be sold in the current market.

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:

Refinancing.

Lenders base the amount of their loans on the value of your property and usually allow you to borrow a maximum of 75% to 96.5% against your property. Knowing what your home is worth allows lenders to calculate your equity in the home. The more equity you have, the better terms you will receive on your refinance.
Home Improvements.

If you’re doing home improvement projects to increase the resale value, you want to make sure you’re not pricing it out of the market. If your home is already priced on the high-end for your neighborhood, making too many improvements could make it more difficult to sell. When you get a valuation, you can see how your home compares with others in the neighborhood and let this guide your home improvement decisions.
Qualifying for Lines of Credit.

If you want to borrow cash against your home, getting a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) could be a good option. To qualify, you must have a certain level of equity in your home. Most lenders require at least 20%. Getting a home valuation will help you determine if you qualify and will be used by the lender to make a decision on your loan.
Planning.

Though it’s not a necessity, simply knowing the value of your home is good information to have. It will help you plan for the future and deal with unforeseen circumstances when you might be in a position that requires extra money or a quick relocation. Knowing how much equity you have in your home and how much you may be able to borrow against it or sell it for will help you respond to any financial curveballs that life throws at you.

Creative Offers for your Home

What is a Home Valuation?

What is a Zillow Zestimate?

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

My Testimonials

Seller

B

Buyer

S

Seller & Buyer

J

Jillian

S

Seller & Buyer

S

Seller

S

Seller

B

Buyer

B

Buyer and Seller

Get your instant home valuation

Get the best price for your home

Get a full valuation from a local expert

Luxury Presence Home Value

Estimate not available

How much is your home worth in full cash?

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:

Comparative Market Analysis.

Comparative Market Analysis.

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:

Refinancing.

Home Improvements.

Qualifying for Lines of Credit.

Planning.

Contact Lisa to Learn More.

Creative Offers for your Home

What is a Home Valuation?

What is a Zillow Zestimate?

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

My Testimonials

Seller

B

Buyer

S

Seller & Buyer

J

Jillian

S

Seller & Buyer

S

Seller

S

Seller

B

Buyer

B

Buyer and Seller

Get your instant home valuation

Get the best price for your home

Get a full valuation from a local expert

Luxury Presence Home Value

Estimate not available

How much is your home worth in full cash?

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:

Comparative Market Analysis.

Comparative Market Analysis.

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:

Refinancing.

Home Improvements.

Qualifying for Lines of Credit.

Planning.

Contact Lisa to Learn More.

Contact Details

LISA EASTON | CA DRE# 01707469

Submit a Message

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

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: