15 Reasons You Shouldn’t Rely on Zillow When Buying or Selling a Home
If you’re a first-time homebuyer or relocating to a new area, chances are you’ve browsed Zillow for homes. Zillow’s website and app make it easy to scroll through listings and see home value estimates. It’s an excellent starting point for daydreaming or researching what’s on the market. However, relying on Zillow alone for one of the biggest financial decisions of your life can lead to missteps and frustration. Real estate is complex and hyper-local, and there are many things Zillow can’t do that a local, human expert can. In fact, trusting Zillow blindly could mean missed opportunities, incorrect pricing, or unnecessary stress.
Below are 15 reasons why Zillow should not be your sole guide when buying or selling a home and how a local real estate professional like those on our team can provide the accurate insight, personal support, and on-the-ground expertise that Zillow simply can’t.
1. Inaccurate “Zestimates”
Zillow’s famous “Zestimate” is an automated estimate of a home’s market value. It may be tempting to take that number as gospel, but beware! Zestimates are often inaccurate, sometimes wildly so. Zillow itself acknowledges a typical error margin: about 2.4% for homes on the market and around 7.5% for off-market homes. That means a $400,000 house could easily be off by $30,000 (and that’s just the median error; many estimates miss by even more).
Why such a gap? Zillow’s algorithm can’t see inside your home or gauge its true condition. It relies on public data and comparisons that might not reflect reality. Did you renovate the kitchen or is there unseen water damage? Zillow won’t know, but those factors drastically affect value.
Real-life example: A homeowner in the area saw that Zillow said $450,000 for her house, so she expected to sell for that. When Jen toured the property, she noticed significant interior damage and outdated systems that the algorithm couldn’t detect. Jen’s professional pricing advice was closer to $395,000. Sure enough, after listing with Jen’s strategy, the home sold for about $395K – a fair market price. If the seller had insisted on the higher Zestimate, the home might have sat unsold due to overpricing. Conversely, Jen has also seen buyers hesitate to bid on a house because the Zestimate was lower than the list price, only to later realize the home had upgrades and features the algorithm undervalued. In both cases, the Zestimate created false expectations, and only a local expert’s evaluation got it right.
In short, a Zestimate is a starting guess, not an appraisal. It’s fine to peek at it, but always consult a real professional for accuracy. Jen provides personalized Comparative Market Analyses (CMAs) based on current sales and the actual condition of your home. She’ll visit the property, consider recent truly comparable sales, and factor in unique features to pin down a realistic price. That kind of nuanced valuation is something you’ll never get from an algorithm.
2. Delayed or Outdated Listings
Have you ever fallen in love with a home you saw on Zillow, only to discover it’s already under contract or sold? It’s a common frustration. Zillow’s listings are not always up-to-date in real time. There can be a delay in syncing with the local Multiple Listing Service (MLS), which means you might be looking at outdated information.
In fast-moving markets, a 24-48 hour lag is enough for a great house to get snatched up before Zillow even marks it “Pending.” Sometimes Zillow even shows old listings (homes that sold weeks or months ago) as if they’re active, or it lists “pre-foreclosure” properties that aren’t actually for sale. This can waste your time and get your hopes up about homes that are no longer available.
Why does this happen? Unlike an agent’s MLS feed, which updates instantly, Zillow aggregates data from many sources and updates on a schedule. There have been cases where Zillow intentionally leaves sold homes on the site longer to make it look like they have more inventory– after all, Zillow’s business is to attract viewers. But for buyers, this is misleading. First-time buyers and out-of-town clients might not realize that the dream home they bookmarked is already off the market.
The solution: work with someone who has real-time data. Jen, as a local agent, gets live updates from the MLS. She knows immediately when a new listing hits the market or when a status changes. If you’ve told her what you’re looking for, she can notify you the minute a matching home is for sale, and confirm its availability. No more chasing ghosts on Zillow. With Jen, you’ll focus only on current, available homes, so you don’t miss out or waste emotional energy on outdated listings.
3. They’re Not Local Experts
Real estate is all about location, location, location – and that means local nuance. Zillow is a big national platform. It does not live in your community, and it doesn’t truly understand the quirks of your local market. A Zillow algorithm or a remote customer service rep can’t tell you why one side of town sells for a premium or which neighborhoods are up-and-coming. They won’t know that the house two blocks from a railroad track might have noise issues at night, or that a new school rezoning has made one neighborhood more desirable than the next. In contrast, a local expert like Jen lives and breathes this market.
Community knowledge matters: For example, in Austin, two homes could be identical in size, but if one is in a top-rated school district and the other just outside of it, the value difference can be huge. Zillow’s data might not fully catch that boundary line advantage. Or imagine a home listed as having “lake access” – Zillow sees those words, but Jen knows the lake levels have been low for two years and that “access” is a hike. These are insights you can only gain from someone who’s on the ground locally.
Moreover, for relocation clients, local expertise is gold. If you’re moving from out of state, you likely have questions about commute times, neighborhood vibes, local property tax rates, or even where the nearest grocery store is. Zillow provides none of that context. Jen can be your personal guide to the area – giving you honest pros/cons of different neighborhoods, explaining local market trends (maybe homes sell slower in the winter here, or a major employer is relocating here next year driving demand), and even pointing out things like the best coffee shops. That level of tailored, local insight is something a nationwide website simply isn’t built to offer.
4. Paid Agent Placement (Not the Best Fit)
When you browse listings on Zillow and click “Contact Agent,” you might assume you’ll be connected with the listing agent or a carefully chosen local expert. The reality is quite different. Zillow makes money by selling spots to Premier Agents – real estate agents who pay to appear next to listings in certain ZIP codes. This means the agents you see featured on a property page are there because they paid for advertising, not necessarily because they are the best agent for that property or for you. In fact, your inquiry can be sent to multiple agents who purchased leads in that area. Suddenly, you may find several agents calling or emailing you, and none of them might have ever set foot in the home you’re interested in.
This can be especially confusing for first-time buyers. For example, you click on a beautiful home expecting to get more info, and now you’re fielding calls from random agents trying to win your business. One might be from 30 miles away, another might be brand new in real estate – you just don’t know. It’s a bit of a free-for-all based on who paid Zillow, not who is most qualified. Zillow’s system won’t evaluate who has the best track record in your neighborhood or who might personally click with you; it simply routes you to an agent in its paying network.
Why settle for a random assignment? You deserve an agent who is hand-picked for quality and fit, not one who bought your lead. By choosing to work with someone like Jen from the start, you stay in control.
Jen has built her business on reputation and results, not on buying internet leads. When you talk to Jen, you know you’re getting a dedicated local professional who is committed to your goals, not just someone who got your name in their inbox from Zillow. This means a more personalized, accountable experience. Instead of wondering who will answer when you press that Zillow button, you can have Jen on speed dial, knowing she’s the right agent for you because you did your homework (or got a trusted referral) – not because an algorithm matched you based on ad dollars.
5. Overhyped Property Descriptions
Scrolling through Zillow, every home can sound like a dream. Listings often use glowing descriptions and fancy adjectives: “charming fixer-upper,” “cozy bungalow,” “luxurious oasis,” etc. It’s important to remember that those descriptions are essentially advertisements written to entice interest. Zillow simply displays what the seller’s agent or owner wrote – and naturally, they want to highlight the good and downplay any negatives. The result? You might get a rosy picture of a home that reality doesn’t quite match.
For instance, “needs a little TLC” in a description could mean the house needs major repairs like a new roof or foundation work. A listing might boast “spacious living area” but upon visiting, you realize it’s just an average-sized room with clever wide-angle photos. Many first-time buyers take these descriptions at face value and can be disappointed when a “charming and cozy” home turns out to be tiny and dark. Zillow won’t flag these euphemisms or tell you what’s missing between the lines. It also won’t tell you if the listing photos are outdated or digitally enhanced (yes, some listings brighten photos or add virtual furniture to look more appealing).
This is where Jen’s guidance becomes invaluable. As a local Realtor, she can decode the language of listings for you. If a description is over-the-top, she likely knows to dig deeper. Jen might say, “I’ve seen that house – ‘cozy’ is code for small, and it backs up to a busy road, which the description didn’t mention.” She’ll make sure you aren’t misled by flowery language.
Likewise, if you’re selling, Jen will craft an honest, compelling description that attracts buyers without misrepresenting your property, setting proper expectations from the start. With a professional by your side, you get the real story behind each home, not just the sales pitch on Zillow.
6. Zestimate Gaps in Non-Disclosure States
Did you know that in some states, home sale prices aren’t publicly disclosed? These are called non-disclosure states (Texas is one, for example). This has a big impact on Zillow’s accuracy. Zillow pulls a lot of its data from public records, but if the sale prices aren’t public, Zillow is essentially flying blind in those areas. It might try to fill the gap with whatever info it can scrape together (like list prices or mortgage records), but the end result is often a large margin of error. Zillow even admitted that in places like Texas, not having access to real sale prices poses a challenge for the Zestimate algorithm.
What does this mean for you? If you’re in a non-disclosure state (or moving to one), the Zestimate on a home could be even less reliable than usual. There have been cases in Texas where a house’s Zestimate was off by tens of thousands simply because Zillow didn’t have the actual recent sale data of similar homes to anchor its estimate. Essentially, Zillow is guessing based on limited info. For a homeowner checking Zillow, this could create a false sense of what your home is worth. For a buyer, it might misrepresent how hot or cool the market truly is.
Jen, on the other hand, has access to the real numbers through the MLS and her professional network. As a licensed agent, she can pull the true sold prices of comparable homes in your neighborhood (information Zillow can’t get when it’s not public). This allows her to give you a fact-based valuation. For example, if you’re selling your home in a non-disclosure state like Texas, Jen can see that the house down the street actually sold for $380,000 (even if Zillow had guessed $400K). She uses real sales, not guesstimates, to guide your pricing strategy. The bottom line: in states or situations where data is limited, you need a local expert like Jen who has the inside scoop, rather than relying on an algorithm that’s left to guess.
7. No Insight Into Buyer Psychology or Market Timing
Real estate isn’t just about numbers; it’s about people – their motivations, fears, and desires. Buyer psychology and timing play a huge role in how much someone will pay for a home or how quickly a property will sell. This is an area where Zillow has zero insight. Zillow can tell you past sales and current listings, but it can’t tell you why buyers are acting a certain way this month, or what might make your offer appealing to a seller beyond the dollar amount.
Consider this: Zillow won’t know if buyers in your local market have started favoring homes with dedicated home offices (perhaps due to a work-from-home trend) or if a recent spike in interest rates has made buyers more cautious and slow to make offers. It won’t know that it’s better to list your home after the big local festival next month because half the town is busy with that event and not home shopping. These are the kinds of human and seasonal factors that real estate agents pick up on by being in the field every day.
Jen spends her days talking to buyers, sellers, and other agents. She might hear things like, “Families are really looking for move-in ready houses right now; they don’t want to renovate,” or “Every buyer coming to my open house mentioned how they need a fenced yard for their dog.” This kind of insight helps Jen advise you strategically. If you’re selling, she can suggest timing the sale when buyer demand is highest (for instance, listing in early spring when many families start home shopping). If you’re buying, she can tell you if the market is overheated or if buyers are negotiating hard due to some recent news. She also understands tactics that appeal to the human side: maybe writing a personal letter to the seller if you really love a home, or staging a home to invoke a cozy feeling for buyers.
Zillow’s algorithm isn’t going to suggest “Hey, maybe bake cookies for the open house for a welcoming aroma,” but a good agent might! More critically, an agent can gauge if a buyer is serious or just window-shopping, or if a low offer is simply a negotiating tactic or truly the most they can afford – info that can help in negotiations. When you have Jen guiding you, you benefit from her read on the human factors at play. That’s a dimension of real estate you simply won’t get from a data-driven website.
8. You Can’t Negotiate with an Algorithm
Negotiation is one of the most important parts of a real estate transaction – and it’s inherently a human, interpersonal process. When it comes time to make an offer on a home or to respond to an offer on your property, you need a skilled negotiator in your corner. Zillow, being an app, will not step in to negotiate price, repairs, or concessions for you. You can’t haggle or reason with a Zestimate, nor can you get an algorithm to consider the unique circumstances of a deal.
Imagine you’re a buyer who made an offer on a house. The inspection then finds that the roof needs replacing soon. Zillow might tell you the home is “worth” a certain amount, but Zillow isn’t going to help you renegotiate the price because of the roof issue. Jen, however, absolutely will. She can contact the seller’s agent, present the inspection findings, and negotiate a fair reduction or repair credit based on real contractor estimates and market norms. That kind of back-and-forth, and the persuasive arguments that go with it, require experience and a personal touch.
Similarly, if you’re selling and get multiple offers, you might need to negotiate with several parties – perhaps counter one offer for a better price or terms. An algorithm might just compare numbers, but an agent like Jen will gauge the full picture: which buyer seems most committed, who has better financing, who might be flexible on closing dates, etc. She can talk to the other agents, feel out their clients’ positions, and help you navigate to the best deal. There’s a lot of nuance in negotiation: tone of voice, knowing when to be firm vs. when to be accommodating, reading the other side’s priorities. These are skills honed through human experience.
Another angle: if a seller is fixated on their Zestimate being the “true value,” you’ll need an agent to diplomatically educate them or provide comparable sales evidence to negotiate the price down to reality. You can’t call up Zillow and ask it to explain or change its estimate during a negotiation impasse. But Jen can provide a well-reasoned case to the other party. In essence, Zillow provides data, but it doesn’t advocate for you – and advocacy during negotiations can mean saving thousands of dollars or winning the bid on your dream home. With Jen, you have a real person fighting for your best interests at the table, ensuring you don’t leave money on the table or agree to unfavorable terms just because a computer number said so.
9. Inaccurate Property Details
Zillow pulls property details from various sources – county records, previous listings, and sometimes user submissions. That patchwork of data can lead to inaccuracies in the details of a listing. Perhaps the square footage is wrong (maybe an addition wasn’t recorded in public records), or the number of bedrooms is off (finished basements and dens often get miscounted). Jen has seen Zillow show a home as having a two-car garage when in reality it was a carport, or list the property in the wrong subdivision. Little errors like these can cause big confusion. If you rely on Zillow’s info without double-checking, you might schedule a showing for a house thinking it has 4 bedrooms when it really has 3, or think a home is in a certain school district because Zillow says so, only to find out it isn’t.
These mistakes happen not because anyone’s malicious – real estate data is just complex and doesn’t always translate cleanly to Zillow’s format. Zillow even allows homeowners to “claim” their house and edit details, so sometimes you’re seeing owner-edited data that might be exaggerated. For example, an owner might proudly list their basement as “finished” on Zillow, but when you visit, you find a concrete floor and minimal finishing.
Crucially, Zillow doesn’t verify all these details. Their fine print encourages buyers and sellers to verify information independently.
This is exactly where a real estate pro like Jen steps in. Part of Jen’s job is to ensure that the information you base decisions on is accurate and complete. If you’re interested in a home, she’ll cross-verify the details: check the MLS data, talk to the listing agent to clarify anything unclear, and ultimately, see the property in person with you to confirm. No surprises – if the listing said “new HVAC” but on the tour it looks old, Jen will spot that and adjust your offer strategy accordingly.
Likewise, when pricing your home to sell, Jen will pull the correct facts from authoritative sources (and can correct Zillow if needed by updating the listing info). She’ll make sure buyers get the right info so you don’t lose a potential sale over a misunderstanding. Relying on a local agent means you get the truth behind the stats. With Jen, the focus is on accurate data: she’ll get the square footage measured, verify the lot lines, ensure that what’s advertised is what you get. Zillow simply can’t provide that level of accuracy assurance.
10. No One to Call When Things Get Stressful
Let’s face it: buying or selling a home can be stressful, especially for first-timers or when you’re relocating to a completely new place. There are moments when you just need to talk to a knowledgeable person – maybe you’re confused about a form, worried after a low appraisal, or just anxious about moving timelines. If you’ve been leaning on Zillow for information, you’ll quickly find that when you have a pressing question or an emotional wobble, Zillow isn’t there for you. There’s no support hotline for stressed homebuyers that will give you personalized advice and reassurance. At best, you’ll get generic articles or a chatbot.
This is where having a caring human expert like Jen makes all the difference. Jen isn’t just there to unlock doors and fill out paperwork – she’s a coach and partner through the process. Feeling unsure about the next step in closing? Call Jen and she’ll walk you through it. Getting cold feet or overwhelmed by choices? Jen has likely seen it before and can provide perspective, talk through your concerns, or simply listen.
If you’re relocating, you might be worried about coordinating a move, or you might be nervous because you can’t see the home in person — Jen can be your eyes, ears, and voice of calm on the ground. She can do video walk-throughs, update you regularly, and connect you with other trusted professionals (like lenders, inspectors, contractors) to ease the process.
Consider a scenario: A week before closing on your new home, you find out the job transfer date changed, or maybe an inspection report comes back with issues. Panic might set in if you’re on your own. Zillow’s not going to pick up the phone and say “Hey, it’s going to be okay, here’s how we handle this.” But Jen will. She can coordinate with all parties to adjust closing dates, or negotiate repairs last minute, all while keeping you informed so you feel in control rather than in crisis.
Beyond the transaction details, there’s the emotional side. Selling the home you raised your kids in, or buying your very first home – these are big life moments. A website can’t empathize or celebrate with you, but Jen can. She’s there to give you a pep talk when you need it and to share in your excitement when you get the keys. Having a real person who genuinely cares about your outcome makes the journey far less stressful. When things get tough, you want to be able to say, “Let me call my agent,” and have a reliable, friendly expert like Jen answer, rather than feeling alone with your web browser.
11. Zillow Isn’t Liable for Mistakes
Zillow provides information, but they don’t take responsibility if that information is wrong or if using their platform leads to a mistake. In fact, Zillow’s terms of use and disclaimers basically say that the information might not be accurate and users should verify all data independently (essentially a “buyer beware” stance. If you base your pricing or buying decision on something from Zillow and it turns out to be incorrect, Zillow isn’t going to reimburse you or step in to fix the issue. They’re a third-party platform, not a licensed fiduciary agent working for you.
Let’s say Zillow’s site had a glitch or outdated data that led you to believe a home had no HOA fee, so you budget accordingly, but then during closing, you discover a hefty monthly HOA. Zillow isn’t going to pay that fee for you or be held accountable for the oversight. Or imagine you price your home $50k too high because Zillow’s estimate was off (and you didn’t get other advice), and it sits on the market for months, costing you time and money. Zillow doesn’t owe you for that lost time. Essentially, if you lean on Zillow alone, you’re kind of on your own legally and financially.
Working with a licensed real estate professional like Jen is a different story. Agents have a fiduciary duty to their clients, meaning Jen is obligated to act in your best interest.
She also must adhere to a code of ethics and state regulations. While nobody’s perfect, if Jen (or any agent) makes a significant error, there are avenues for recourse – brokers, industry oversight, and even insurance to make things right. More importantly, because Jen is accountable to you, she’s going to double- and triple-check critical details to prevent mistakes in the first place. Her recommendations come with professional responsibility behind them.
Also, consider that Jen’s business relies on her reputation. If she misled clients or gave sloppy advice, word would get around – so she has every incentive to be accurate and careful. Zillow, by contrast, is a huge corporation; if one data point on your listing is wrong, it doesn’t really hurt them, and their terms shield them from fallout. With Jen, you have a named person who stands by her advice and will work to fix any issue that arises during the transaction. There’s peace of mind in knowing someone has your back and will personally see things through. It’s the difference between having an accountable guide versus a disclaimer-filled website.
12. Zillow’s Data Is National — Not Hyperlocal
Zillow aggregates housing data from all over the country (even internationally in some cases). Many of the stats and trends you see on Zillow’s pages are reflecting broad regions or national averages. But real estate is hyperlocal — what’s happening nationally or even citywide might not apply to your specific neighborhood or price bracket. Zillow might report “Homes in Austin are selling in 20 days on average,” which is useful as a big picture, but maybe in your neighborhood of Austin, the average is 5 days because it’s a hotspot. Or vice versa, perhaps your suburb tends to take 40 days because it’s more rural or has higher-end properties. Zillow’s one-size-fits-all data approach can gloss over these important subtleties.
Furthermore, Zillow’s recommendations or market temperature gauges (“Hot market” or “Cool market” labels) are often based on those wider trends. If you make decisions based purely on that, you could mis-time your move. A relocation buyer might read that a city’s prices are declining overall, but maybe they’re looking at a pocket where a new employer moved in and prices are actually rising. Zillow won’t necessarily highlight that level of detail. They don’t have a little note that says “P.S. This particular block is super popular because of XYZ new development.”
Jen specializes in the hyperlocal data. She can tell you not just what’s happening in the city or county, but what’s happening in your zip code, neighborhood, and even on your street. For example, she might say, “Homes in this school district are averaging 105% of list price this month, whereas the city overall is 100% – so be prepared to possibly bid over asking in this area.” That’s incredibly specific intel you won’t glean from Zillow’s broad stats. Jen also tracks micro-trends like: Are two-bedroom homes in downtown selling faster than three-bedrooms? Is there more inventory coming up in the next subdivision over? She’s talking to other agents and watching the MLS hot sheet daily, so she knows if, say, five new listings just popped up that will compete with yours – info Zillow won’t update in real time.
When you rely on Jen, you’re getting advice tailored to your exact situation. She won’t price a home or advise an offer based on county-wide averages; she’ll base it on the exact comparables and conditions in your immediate area. Hyperlocal means considering things like neighborhood amenities, local property tax differences, school districts, traffic patterns – details a national platform doesn’t factor into its numbers. By using hyperlocal data, Jen ensures you don’t misread the market. Zillow might paint with a broad brush, but Jen gets into the fine brushstrokes that actually matter for your transaction’s success.
13. Automated Valuations Miss the “Feel” Factor
Home value isn’t purely about beds, baths, and square footage – it’s also about the feel of a home and the impression it makes on buyers. This is something very hard to quantify. Zillow’s algorithm can churn through lot sizes and past sales, but it can’t step inside a home to sense the ambiance, the natural light, the flow of the layout, or the street appeal. Often, the “X-factor” of a property – the charm of a tree-lined street, the cozy warmth of a well-decorated living room, or the potential a quirky old house has once you walk through it – is what clinches the deal or drives the price. These emotional and sensory factors are a big part of why two seemingly similar homes can sell for very different prices.
For example, imagine two houses both built in 1990 with 2,000 square feet in the same neighborhood. On paper, Zillow might value them similarly. House A has been beautifully updated, is spotless, and when you enter it just feels like a home you could see yourself living in (maybe it’s staged nicely, has lots of natural sunlight and an open floor plan). House B is empty, has an odd cigarette odor, and a darker, chopped-up layout.
Buyers emotionally connect with House A and not House B. House A might get multiple offers and sell above asking, while House B might languish or sell below what Zillow thought it would. Zillow couldn’t predict that, because those differences aren’t fully captured by data.
Jen knows how important the “feel” factor is. When pricing your home, she will consider not just the stats but also the impression it makes. Is your home the gem of the block with great curb appeal? Is the view from your back porch something that will make buyers say “wow”? These are value-adds an algorithm might undervalue.
Similarly, if a home you love has a certain charm or potential that isn’t obvious from the online data, Jen will sense that during a showing and advise you accordingly (“This place has a great vibe and I can tell lots of buyers will love that — if you want it, move fast and put in a strong offer”).
Additionally, Jen can help enhance the “feel” factor, something Zillow can’t do. She might suggest staging or small improvements to make sure buyers feel at home when they visit your listing, thereby potentially raising its sale price. Automated valuations won’t account for the fresh paint, new flowers by the door, or the cookies baking in the oven during an open house – but those touches can influence buyer perception and offers. In essence, algorithms analyze houses as a collection of features, but people buy homes based on a feeling. Jen understands that balance and will help you leverage the emotional appeal of a home, whether you’re buying or selling.
14. Zillow’s Flip Business Flopped — That Says a Lot
One of the most eye-opening real-world tests of Zillow’s accuracy was Zillow’s own attempt to flip houses. You might have heard about this: Zillow launched a home-buying program (often called Zillow Offers) where they would buy homes directly from sellers, then resell them – essentially using their algorithms to profit from flipping. How did it go? In short, it flopped spectacularly. By late 2021, Zillow announced it was shutting down this business and took huge losses (on the order of hundreds of millions of dollars) because the homes they bought often sold for less than their algorithm predicted. Zillow’s pricing model couldn’t accurately account for market shifts and individual property differences, and it ended up severely mispricing many homes.
Why is this story important to you as a buyer or seller? It’s a cautionary tale: if Zillow itself couldn’t reliably use its data to make a profit in real estate, it underscores how risky it can be to trust those same algorithms for your personal real estate decisions. The company had to admit that forecasting home prices is very challenging, even with all their data scientists and resources. Markets can change due to factors that algorithms don’t catch quickly – for example, a sudden economic change or even a pandemic-driven shift in where people want to live. Zillow’s algorithm overpaid for homes in a changing market, a mistake that a savvy local expert might have avoided by sensing the on-the-ground trend (some agents at the time noted the market was softening, even as Zillow’s models kept bullishly buying).
For you, the takeaway is that Zillow isn’t a crystal ball. If you’re selling, don’t assume Zillow’s estimate is what you’ll actually get – price realistically and listen to expert advice. If you’re buying, don’t assume a Zillow estimate or forecast guarantees future value.
Jen keeps her finger on the pulse of the market daily. She combines data with real-time insight, and she can adjust strategy in a heartbeat if the market changes. Also, unlike an algorithm, if Jen isn’t sure about a trend, she can discuss it with other colleagues or appraisers, or use her experience to interpret what’s happening. Zillow’s failed flip adventure is basically proof that real estate is not just a numbers game – it requires judgment, experience, and local context. Jen brings that human intelligence to the table so you don’t get caught on the wrong side of a market swing like Zillow did.
15. Zillow Creates False Expectations
All these points add up to perhaps the biggest issue: Zillow can set false expectations for buyers and sellers. It’s very easy to look at that slick interface and think you have all the info you need. Sellers see a high Zestimate and expect to get that price (or more) without much effort. Buyers see homes online and expect the process to be as simple as clicking “Buy Now” like it would be for an online shopping cart. People might assume every house hunt is like the TV shows – find it on an app, see it, and buy it in a snap. The reality is often more complicated, and if you go in with unrealistic expectations fueled by Zillow, you could be in for a rough wake-up call.
For sellers, a false expectation could mean overpricing your home or expecting it to sell overnight because Zillow labels the market “hot.” When that doesn’t happen, frustration sets in.
Jen has had clients initially insist on a certain price because “that’s what Zillow said,” and it took time and evidence to help them see that was not attainable. Once they adjusted to a realistic price (with Jen’s guidance), the home sold – but imagine the time lost due to that early false hope. Similarly, buyers might think a Zestimate is a solid benchmark for what they should pay, or they might expect sellers to accept whatever Zillow’s estimate is. If a buyer comes in with a mindset that “no house in this area should cost more than Zillow’s estimate,” they might lose out in a competitive situation where in reality many homes are selling above that. Or they might budget based on Zillow’s mortgage calculator without understanding other costs like property taxes, insurance, or HOA fees, leading to surprises later.
Jen’s role is often to set the record straight gently and guide you to realistic expectations. That doesn’t mean you won’t achieve your goals – it means you’ll pursue them with a clear understanding of the market and process.
With Jen’s help, sellers learn what buyers are actually paying for similar homes in their area and how to present their home in the best light to get a top-market price (which might be lower or higher than Zillow’s guess, but is grounded in reality). Buyers working with Jen get a briefing on current market conditions – for example, she might explain that homes are currently going for about 5% over asking price on average – so they know how to strategize their offers accordingly.
She’ll also prepare you for the journey itself: how many homes buyers typically see before finding “the one,” what contingencies are common in contracts, and how long it usually takes from offer to closing. Zillow doesn’t prepare you for any of that, but Jen does, so you don’t feel blindsided by the actual process.
In the end, avoiding false expectations leads to greater success and less stress. When you know what to expect, you can plan and make informed decisions. Jen will make sure you start your buying or selling experience with eyes wide open – and a realistic game plan to achieve the best outcome.
Choose Personal Expertise Over Portals
Zillow is a handy tool for browsing listings and getting a general sense of the market, but when it comes to actually buying or selling a home, there’s no substitute for the personal touch and expertise of a local agent. From ensuring accurate information and pricing, to navigating negotiations, to being there for you emotionally, a professional like Jen covers all the gaps that Zillow cannot.
Your home is likely the biggest investment you’ll ever make. It’s worth doing right. Rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all website that treats you as another data point, work with someone who treats you as a priority. Our team brings local knowledge, real-time data, and human dedication to your real estate journey, making it smarter and far less stressful.
Don’t gamble with algorithms when it comes to something as important as your home. If you want a smarter, smoother, and more personalized buying or selling experience, reach out to Jen today. Let a real expert guide you home. With our team by your side, you can confidently skip the Zillow zigzag and move forward knowing you have the best information and an advocate in your corner. Get in touch with our team and let us help you make your next move your best move!
Sources
Zillow's Home Price Zestimate Is Distorting the Real-Estate Market - Business Insider
Zillow Listings – They are Old – They Are Stale – They are Outdated
Litterally Zillow's “Contact Agent” Button—What You Need to Know ...
You buy dumpster items on Amazon and Zillow; Buyer beware ...
https://www.fairviewlending.com/you-buy-dumpster-items-on-amazon-and-zillow-buyer-beware/
Zillow's Home Price Zestimate Is Distorting the Real-Estate Market - Business Insider
Zillow's Home Price Zestimate Is Distorting the Real-Estate Market - Business Insider
