The answer is not always. AI home value reports can be inaccurate because they don’t consider your home’s unique features.
If you’re a homeowner, it’s likely you’ve gotten one of those emails promising a quick “home value estimate.” Sometimes they come from agents, sometimes from sites you once browsed while house hunting.
However, those numbers are almost always generated by a computer with no human checks and no real context. And that can cause more confusion than clarity, especially if you’re planning to sell your home.
Let me show you just how far off these online estimates can be. I recently pulled five different home value reports for a client’s property; same home, same day. The house is about 2,100 square feet with four bedrooms.
Here’s what came back: the lowest value was $485,900, and the highest was $645,785. That’s a gap of more than $160,000. If you’re optimistic, you might grab onto that top number and think, “Perfect, I’m sitting on a gold mine.” If you’re a buyer, you’re probably hoping to pay the lowest number.
In reality, neither extreme is right.
How can you get your home’s true value? While home value reports are useful, they should be just one part of the equation. When someone signs up for a report through me, I always ask: “Did you find the estimate too low, too high, or just right?”
There’s no wrong answer, but what really matters is getting to a number that reflects what your home would actually sell for in today’s market.
For a more accurate assessment, I recommend a personal visit. No automated report can see the new kitchen you just installed or know about the quirks that might affect value.
To get a reliable number, the best approach is to have me visit, assess your home, and review comparable sales. This way, I can provide a more accurate price range. You don’t need to be ready to sell right now; a visit can help establish a baseline, and we can update it every six months if you’d like.
Blending high-tech with high-touch. The automated reports provide a starting point, but that personal touch is irreplaceable. I’ll take notes on what’s been updated and what might need some work.
In the end, the market sets the price; not me, not the bots, not even you. It’s all about finding that sweet spot so you get the showings, the offers, and a result that works for you.
If you have questions about home value reports or want a personalized evaluation of your home, call me at (503) 522-0090, email me at sarita@asksarita.com, or visit AskSarita.com. I’m here to help you find the value that truly reflects your property.
