How Trustworthy Is That Online Estimate for Your Home? Let’s Talk About It, Y’all.

Okay, be honest… who hasn’t snuck a peek at their home’s value on one of those real estate websites? Whether it’s your place, your neighbor’s, or that dreamy beach house you strolled past on vacation. We have all done it – guilty as charged!!!

It’s easy to see the appeal—those sites give you info fast and at your fingertips. But here’s the thing, while they might be convenient, those online estimates aren’t always as spot-on as they seem.

And bless their hearts, they try. But if you’re thinking about selling (or even just wondering what your home might be worth), it’s important to know those numbers can be off—sometimes way off. You don’t want to price too high and end up sitting on the market with crickets… or price too low and leave money on the table.

Here’s why you shouldn’t treat that online estimate like gospel:

1. It’s Just a Starting Point—Not the Whole Story

Those websites love to say their estimate is just a “starting point”… but what does that even mean? Well, it means they haven’t seen your home. They don’t know about your new kitchen backsplash, the hardwood floors you had installed, or how your home sits on the prettiest lot in the neighborhood.

Real value comes from someone who knows the area, can see it in person, understands what buyers want right now, and has actually walked through your home. That’s where we (real agents – and a fantastic husband and wife duo team at that) come in.

2. They Rely on Public Info—and Sometimes that Info is just Plain Wrong 

Online estimates are built off public records and anything a user submits. And y’all, those records are often out of date or missing important details. Maybe your square footage isn’t showing the addition you did a few years back, or your bathroom reno didn’t make it into the county records. If the data’s off, the value’s gonna be off too.

3. They Don’t Know Your Neighborhood Like a Local Does

Let me tell you—real estate is hyper-local. I mean, one street can be booming while the next block over might be struggling to get attention. These sites use data pulled from a wide area—sometimes the entire county—so they miss the little things that really matter.

They can’t tell if your home is in a quiet cul-de-sac or backs up to a noisy road. Or if your sweet Southern porch is the envy of the neighborhood. That kind of detail only comes from someone who can personally vouch for that info.

4. It’s a Computer, Not a Person

We love technology (when it works), but bless its heart—it doesn’t have a clue how your home feels. A computer can’t appreciate your cozy breakfast nook, the natural light pouring through your bay window, or how perfect your backyard is for a summer BBQ.

Real estate is more than numbers—it’s about lifestyle. And that’s something only a human with experience (and a good eye!) can factor in.

5. That Value Range? It’s Basically a Guessing Game

Ever notice those wide value ranges? One site might say your home’s worth $300,000… but it gives a “range” from $260,000 to $340,000. That’s a $80,000 spread! The bigger the range, the less confident the site is in the data. A narrow range means they have more info—but it still doesn’t mean it’s accurate.

Here’s the Sweet Tea Truth:
It’s totally fine to poke around those sites out of curiosity—I do it too! But if you really want to know what your home is worth, whether you’re planning to sell or just want to know out of curiosity, reach out to us – B & B Team Realty – your trusted source for all things Real Estate.

We’d be happy to swing by, do a quick walk-through, and give you a personalized market analysis—no pressure and no cost. Just good old-fashioned service with a smile.

After all, there’s nothing more valuable than honest advice from someone who knows your area and cares about your home as much as you do.

Let’s chat soon! 🏡💛