Your searching the Internet and you want to buy a home in a particular subdivision and you get all excited when you see that Zillow, shows homes are in your price range. However when you call you find out the homes are listed for much more. You are confused and instantly "don't trust."
Let's take the home we have listed at 1105 Saunders Way, Fredericksburg Virginia.
Clearly in the image below on the Zillow website, the Zestimate states the home is $288,064. However I just listed the home for $325,000. So who's right? Well that's easy for a trained real estate specialist who has all of the local real estate data at their fingertips.
You see all real estate is local. Many subdivisions have townhomes, condo's, small and large single family homes. Plus you have new homes that are being built that are Under Contract or that just settled that have not showed up in the recorded records in the county yet. Currently in the community of the Village of Idlewild, the builder has a half dozen homes in similar size ( or close to it) that are in many stages of the closing. As the sellers REALTOR® it is my job to help them sell their home for Fair Market Value. ( not the Zillow value)
For example:
- A detached home just settled on Farrish for $392,940 and this was a basic home new home with no major options added to it. The size of the home is similar, however the garage is attached versus having the courtyard in between.
- Another detached home just settle on Innus Drive, for $409,575. This one was similar in size, except it had a finished basement and sun-room.
- I know of several more that are Under Contract in different stages of being built right now , that are all similar in size and all are over $350,000. Prices are going up.
So if you were to trust Zillow, looking for single family homes priced under $300,000 you would soon realize that was last years market.
The market is getting away from you. This home located at 1105 Saunders Drive, Fredericksburg Virginia 22401 is ready now, so that means you can lock in your low, low interest rate. Not sure if this is the right house for you? Stop in and see the Ryan Homes Sales manager at the Village of Idlewild to learn what homes are available. Soon this community will be SOLD OUT! Now is your chance to own here.
Click on the Zillow Map to learn more about area and this home.
You see all real estate is local. Many subdivisions have townhomes, condo's, small and large single family homes. Plus you have new homes that are being built that are Under Contract or that just settled that have not showed up in the recorded records in the county yet. Currently in the community of the Village of Idlewild, the builder has a half dozen homes in similar size ( or close to it) that are in many stages of the closing. As the sellers REALTOR® it is my job to help them sell their home for Fair Market Value. ( not the Zillow value)
So, before you get all excited and go into a community thinking you can afford that buy a home there based on what you can see online, it is best to call a local REALTOR®. They have access to up to the minute real time Multiple Listing System.
- The worst thing that could happen to any buyer is you low ball a seller thinking they just listed to high, and you loose the home you really wanted. ( Especially when you could have afforded the home) What I always ask a purchaser who wants to low ball a seller is this " Do you want to learn a lesson? Or would you like me to help you buy a home?? Most buyers just look at me with a stare. I can help you do either. It's up to you.
- If you are thinking of selling. Don't trust that you home is only worth the Zestimate Value says.. Yikes! All real estate is local. Make sure you interview three local REALTOR® before you list your home for sale. Protect you bottom line. Never leave your equity on the table, it is yours.
To view more homes in and around the Village of Idelwild just of the Rt 3 coordior in Fredericksburg Virginia veiw here
Other related blogs:
- Are you missing the home you want because you are not focused on the end result
- Do you want to buy a house or learn a lesson?
- So you want to live in a particular neigborhood
- Westridge Subdivsion homes sells for $146,300 more that Zillow said it was valued at-Why?
" You would want to hire me as your REALTOR®, if you're looking for a high energy, positive, take charge,knowledgeable person that is passionate about helping you get what you want! "
That's me! I'm easy going, and prefer to communicate by email, text and I use the latest technology to not only to stay in touch with you, but to market homes for sale as well and to negotiate.Still not sure I'm the right local professional for you? Check out my LakeRidgeVARealEstateNews blog or head on over to my LakeRidgeVAHomesForSale.com website to learn how I have others just like you sell or buy a home in the local area.
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The area's I service in Virginia are Lake Ridge, Woodbridge, Manassas. If you live outside these area's let's talk. If you have found my information helpful and you like what you see, chances are if I cannot help you, I know another REALTOR® who can.
Tip: when reading any blog post, pay close attention to the date post was written as homes sell quickly. Call author for up to date information.
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Note: This real estate blog is written by me Peggy James and it is is my opinion and may not reflect the opinion of Exit Choice Realty 14067 Crown Ct, Woodbridge Virginia 22193.
I have been blogging since 2008 and I am a full time REALTOR® .
I guess the question should be "should you ever trust"... Old data gathered and presented by non-local "expert" services is, in my opinion, rarely valid.
Hi Gary, agreed. However the average consumer doesn't know that. Personally, I feel bad for those prospective buyers who are statistic junkies ( that's what I call them) who look at every website comparing all the data and come to meet with spreadsheet in hand only to learn that all those long hours of working online and doing research on how much they would offer...doesn't apply. They had wrong information to begin with. The comparable homes are more than three months old, the square footage figures are wrong and on and on. There is an easier way. Call a local expert.
And it's even funnier that Zillow and Trulia are fighting in court over their estimates, which are totally inaccurate.
Justin, thanks for stopping into my local real estate blog today. I find your comment interesting. Yes as professionals we know that the two companies are battling out in court. However, I think what consumers reading this blog post would like to know, that would ad value to this conversation is. How are things in the Loudon County Virginia area where you work? Are you seeing the same kind of situation where the valuation models are off. Where some homeowners are listing their homes to low? Or experiencing comments from short sale bank reps that they use these models for valuing a sellers property? It is our job as local real estate agents to help people buyers and sellers get a fair price. Wouldn't you agree?
Update: this home SOLD for $315,000. The information that online buisness models have show the SOLD price. Please do not always consider Zillow to be the end all, end of of your homes value. View Proof