Why Wrong Zillow and Online Estimates Can Cost You Money

George Lorimer
Thursday, May 7, 2026
Why Wrong Zillow and Online Estimates Can Cost You Money

Why Zillow and Online Estimates Can Cost You Money

George Lorimer at 619-846-1244
Your Home Sold Guaranteed or I’ll Buy It!*
*Conditions apply

Whether you’re buying, selling, or just checking on your neighbor’s house, almost everyone looks up home values online. And the biggest site people use is Zillow.

The problem? Online estimates can cost you tens of thousands of dollars if you rely on them without understanding the actual market.

Example

Recent sales:

  • $985,000
  • $1,010,000
  • $1,025,000

Zillow estimates your home at $1,010,000. Sounds reasonable, but it may be off.

Why It Can Be Wrong

What if you invested $125,000 in a whole-house remodel? Zillow may not fully account for the kitchen, bathrooms, flooring, windows, landscaping, or overall condition.

Or what if a bunch of homes flooded the market, and buyers can now find similar homes for $900,000? Good luck getting more than $900,000. Past sales matter, but what buyers can buy today matters more.

Now flip it. If the market is hot, inventory is low, and available homes start at $1.1 million, your home may sell for more than the old comparable sales.

Bottom Line

Online estimates do not fully account for:

  • Your upgrades and condition
  • Current buyer demand
  • Competing homes currently for sale
  • Pricing strategy that maximizes searches and price brackets

That’s why pricing takes more than a computer program. I’ve helped San Diego buyers and sellers for 25 years and sold 1,000+ homes.

Whether you sell on your own or with me, you need accurate, current market data. I subscribe to professional real estate tools and can help you understand what your home may actually sell for in today’s market.

Get a Free In-Depth Price Analysis

Call or text George with your property address.

Call/Text George: 619-846-1244

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George Lorimer | ProWest Properties | DRE# 01146839
619-846-1244 | Your Home Sold Guaranteed, or I’ll Buy It!*
*Conditions apply.


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