Can You Trust Your Zillow Zestimate?

By Mike Vonderau

Mike Vonderau is a top-rated realtor specializing in the west side communities of Cleveland, Ohio, and serves as the managing partner of Vonderau Real Estate Team.

Many homeowners check Zillow when they want to get a sense of their property’s value because it feels like a convenient starting point, especially if they’re thinking about selling. But over the years, I’ve had countless clients ask me the same question: “Zillow says my house is worth this. Is that right?” The answer is not always. Depending solely on a Zestimate can lead to confusion, missed opportunities, and in some cases, major pricing mistakes. Before you list, here’s what you need to know about Zillow’s Zestimate:

Zillow doesn’t know your home. Zillow uses an automated system that pulls data from public records and past sales. That includes square footage, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, tax information, and basic property details. What it cannot see are the things that influence value.

If you’ve renovated your kitchen, finished your basement, or replaced your roof, those updates matter. So do things like high-end appliances, upgraded flooring, or even small features that make your home stand out to buyers. Zillow doesn’t take those into account. It cannot walk through your home, understand its layout, or consider its condition.

It also cannot account for how your home compares to others in your area that have sold recently with similar improvements. These are all important factors that buyers and real estate professionals look at when determining value.

The margin for error is wide. According to Zillow’s own website, the Zestimate is accurate within 20% of the final sale price for 99% of listings. That means if Zillow tells you your home is worth $500,000, it could actually sell for $400,000 or $600,000. That range is far too broad to use as the basis for any serious pricing strategy.

This kind of gap can affect how long your home sits on the market, whether buyers are interested, and how much money you walk away with at closing.

The data behind the algorithm may be outdated or incorrect. Zillow pulls from county records and public data, which are often not up to date. If the official records for your home list the wrong square footage, don’t include additions, or miss recent upgrades, your Zestimate will be off. The algorithm cannot fix those errors. It simply calculates based on the information it finds, whether or not that information is correct.

How do I approach pricing differently? When I evaluate a home’s value, I start by confirming that the basic information is accurate. Then I walk the property in person, take note of upgrades and improvements, and ask questions that matter. I review local comparable sales, examine buyer behavior in the area, and consider current market conditions. I don’t just give you a number because I give you a plan. One that reflects what’s happening right now in your neighborhood and what buyers are actually willing to pay.

The most accurate way to understand your home’s true value is to speak with a local expert who can evaluate all the details that actually influence price. If you’re curious about what your home might be worth in today’s market, feel free to call or text me at 440-871-3050 or email me at mike@vonderau.com. I’ll gladly provide a personalized home evaluation so you can make informed decisions with confidence.