Which real estate valuation is most accurate?

Asked by: Dr. Karelle Renner  |  Last update: February 17, 2026
Score: 4.7/5 (13 votes)

If you want to get the most accurate home value estimate, we recommend getting a comparative market analysis (also known as a CMA or “comps”) from a local real estate agent. Most agents are happy to provide a free CMA — all you have to do is ask!

Which property valuation is most accurate?

CMAs give the most accurate home value estimates

You'll get the most accurate home value estimate by asking a real estate agent for a CMA. A CMA is completely free, and you have no obligation to hire the real estate agent who completes it.

Is zestimate or Redfin more accurate?

Based on company data, Redfin Estimates are generally more accurate than Zillow Zestimates. Redfin has a median error rate of 6.43% for off-market properties, while Zillow is at 7.49%. To put Redfin's 6.43% error rate in perspective, a home with a $300,000 value estimate could really be worth $281,000–319,000.

Are Zillow or Realtor.com estimates more accurate?

Realtor.com is arguably the most accurate real estate listing platform today. It is affiliated with over 580 regularly updated MLS databases across the U.S. Realtor.com also operates in more regions than Zillow and Redfin simply because it's been around for longer, that is since 1996.

Which real estate site is most accurate?

  • Redfin is one of the leading real estate websites. ...
  • Zillow offers one of the most accurate estimators overall. ...
  • Realtor offers many tools for homeowners, from the home valuation estimator to market value comparisons.

Which Real Estate Estimate Is Most Accurate? - AssetsandOpportunity.org

32 related questions found

Is Zillow or Trulia more accurate?

How Accurate Are Trulia Estimates? Trulia Estimates are identical to Zillow Zestimates because both websites use the same data. The only difference is that Zillow Zestimates show both on-market and off-market properties, but Trulia only shows off-market estimates.

What is the best website for accurate home value?

The most accurate online home estimate

To calculate the Redfin Estimate, we combine hundreds of data points about the market, the neighborhood, and the home itself—all to provide you with the most accurate home-valuation tools.

Are Zillow estimates usually high or low?

The nationwide median error rate for the Zestimate for on-market homes means that half of all on-market homes are within the median error vs. the selling price, and half are not. For most major markets, the Zestimate for on-market homes is within 10% of the final sale price more than 95% of the time.

Does Redfin overestimate home values?

The Redfin Estimate is highly accurate, with a median error rate of 1.97% for on-market homes. Redfin has complete and direct access to multiple listing services (MLSs), the databases that real estate agents use to list properties.

Why does my home value keep dropping on Zillow?

If your home has additions or renovations that don't appear in the data, its estimated value will not reflect those changes. Errors happen, so your value may also be low because of outdated or incorrect information about its previous sales prices or tax history.

How wrong is Zestimate?

Accuracy of Zestimates

3 For off-market homes, it's now 7.9%. 4 Zestimates are only as accurate as the data behind them. So, if the number of a home's bedrooms or bathrooms, its square footage, or its lot size are inaccurate on Zillow, a Zestimate will be inaccurate. Users can correct these mistakes.

What is the best predictor of home value?

A formal, professional appraisal is the most accurate estimate of home value you can receive. The appraiser will evaluate the specifications and condition of your home, compare your home to comparables, and assess local market trends and conditions. The result is his or her best estimate of the value of your home.

How to find the true value of a property?

Here are four easy steps that will help you understand your home's market value:
  1. Work with a real estate agent to find the most accurate price. ...
  2. Enter your address into a free online home value estimator. ...
  3. Learn the facts about your house. ...
  4. Research your local market.

Who is best to value my property?

The best and most accurate way of valuing your property is by engaging a professional real estate property valuer. Property valuers in Sydney must have a licence. They will visit your property after conducting research on the local area and the value of properties sold within the last six months.

Who has the most accurate home value estimator?

Here are some of the best home value estimators — called automated valuation models or AVMs — and how they work.
  • Bank of America. ...
  • Redfin. ...
  • Zillow. ...
  • Bankrate. ...
  • Realtor.com. ...
  • Ownerly. ...
  • RE/MAX. ...
  • Next steps.

Is Zillow or Redfin more accurate in 2024?

First, Redfin frequently updates its database and estimates, making it more accurate than Zillow. Redfin is also notable for lower agent fees. The brokerage also employs its agents and collaborates with partner agents resulting in better agent availability and customer support.

How to remove Redfin estimate?

My home is for sale, can my Redfin Estimate be removed? Yes, just submit a ticket to our customer service team to have your Redfin Estimate removed. Or your listing agent can opt out of all real estate website estimations by saying no to 'AVM” on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS).

Why is my Zillow estimate lower than neighbors?

There are several reasons why Zillow's Zestimate may be inaccurate. For one, the feature relies heavily on publicly available data, such as property tax records and past sales data. This means that it may not take into account certain factors, such as renovations or additions to a home, that could affect its value.

How accurate is a Realtor.com estimate?

Why does Realtor.com provide multiple estimates? Since many input sources go into each calculation, property value estimates can vary from one source to the next. Although no automated model is 100 percent accurate, viewing data from multiple sources gives you a more complete picture of a home's potential value.

Is my house worth more than Zillow says?

Zestimates are generally quite accurate. The median error rate for the Zestimate of U.S. houses on the market is just 1.9 percent. The median error rate for houses that are not on the market is higher, at 6.9 percent, but still close enough to do your preliminary planning.

What is more accurate than Zillow?

According to Redfin, they say their estimates are much more accurate than Zillow. Half of homes that sold came within 2.1% of the Redfin estimate. The other 50% were much further off. Similar to Zillow, 97% of homes that sold came within 20% of their estimate.

How do neighbors affect home value?

A decreasing property value can make selling your home in the future more difficult or selling for less than what you purchased it for, causing you to lose money in the long run. According to the Appraisal Institute, a bad neighbor could potentially reduce your home's value up to 10%.

What app shows home value?

Zillow. This is the most downloaded real estate app for both Apple and Android phones, and it includes Zillow's signature map and home value estimate tools. Zillow has millions of homes in its database, and homeowners can update property information directly into the database from the app.

Do appraisers use Zillow?

Well, not necessarily. Zillow does have a “Zestimate” feature that attempts to estimate what any given home is currently worth. However, it isn't necessarily accurate and shouldn't be used for appraisals for a number of reasons that are definitely worth a closer look.

Why is Redfin better than Zillow?

Redfin vs. Zillow: Redfin is more accurate when valuing homes. Both Zillow and Redfin give homes an approximate value, but the Zestimate provided by Zillow has proven slightly less accurate than Redfin's estimate.