Home Value Estimator Tools Compared | Bankrate (2024)

One of the most difficult aspects of the real estate market is estimating the value of a home. With local market conditions changing all the time, it can be hard to accurately price a property. In fact, there’s an entire profession dedicated to appraising homes and determining their value.

As technology has improved, many companies have tried to come up with accurate ways to put a price on individual homes online. Here are some of the best home value estimators — called automated valuation models or AVMs — and how they work.

Using these tools is quick and easy: All you need is to provide the address and, in some cases, confirm some basic details about the home. Most work almost instantly, relying on public records to gather information and determine how much a home is worth. That can include the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, the square footage of the home and the size of the lot, as well as local sale records.

While these tools can be a useful starting point, they may not provide the most accurate pricing. Their algorithms can only rely on the information available; they can’t account for things like a home’s condition or renovations made since the last public information was updated. A professional appraiser or real estate agent, however, can visit the home in person, assess the neighborhood as a whole as well as the individual property, perform more thorough market research and consider subjective details. These personalized assessments of a property’s fair market value will very likely be more accurate than an automated website’s.

Comparing the best home value estimators

To compare each estimator tool below, we’ll use the same example property and run it through each tool to see how the results compare.

Our example property is 303 Willowcrest Drive, a 4-bedroom/2.5-bath home in Rochester, New York. At the time of writing, the home was listed for sale at $375,000, which is close to the national median price. Here is how several leading tools estimated its value, ranging from well below list price to considerably above:

PlatformEstimated Value
Chase$320,500
Bank of America$332,003
Redfin$432,581
Zillow$443,300
Bankrate$443,300
Realtor.com$346,400
RE/MAX$318,851 – $443,300

Chase

Chase‘s home value estimator is easy to use: All you have to do is provide the address of the home; no other information is needed. Its tool allows you to adjust details of the home to see how it influences the value. That lets you correct inaccuracies, such as the wrong number of bedrooms or bathrooms listed, and also gives you the opportunity to see how additions or other home renovations could add to its value.

Bank of America

Bank of America’s home valuation tool also needs only a street address. It displays basic details of the home, such as the property type, square footage and number of bedrooms, alongside its estimated value. One unique offering here is a value history, showing an estimate of how the home’s value changed over the past 20 years. You can also use the tool to compare the property to similar homes in the area.

Redfin

Redfin displays its own home value estimates on the home profiles on its website. It says it bases its estimates on hundreds of data points, including information about the home itself, the neighborhood the home is in, the overall real estate market and more. The stated margin of error is 2.04 percent for on-market homes and 6.38 percent for off-market homes. It updates the estimates every day for on-market homes and weekly for off-market homes.

Zillow

Zillow’s Zestimate is one of the best-known home value estimators out there, and like many of its competitors, all you need to use it is the home’s address. Per the company’s website, the median error rate is 3.2 percent for on-market homes and 7.52 percent for off-market homes. It has Zestimates listed for almost every property in the U.S., based on factors including:

  • Home details like age and number of bedrooms
  • On-market data such as the list price, description and comparable homes
  • Off-market data like prior sales and tax assessments
  • Housing market trends

Bankrate

Bankrate’s easy-to-use home value estimator requires only your street address. After you type it in, the tool will provide an approximate home value based on Zillow data. From there, you can also use Bankrate to connect with a local real estate agent to get a more accurate estimate, learn about tapping into your home equity or explore options for refinancing your mortgage.

Realtor.com

Realtor.com also doesn’t require any information beyond the home address for its RealEstimate. However, to look at more than the most basic details of the home, you’ll need to set up an account on the site. Once you create an account, you’ll have access to more information, including your approximate equity, buyer demand for similar homes and a history of the property’s value.

Ownerly

Online real estate platform Ownerly offers a home value estimator, but you must set up an account — and pay for a subscription. However, you can sign up for a seven-day trial membership for $1 or a premium trial for $5. Once you enter the home’s address, you’ll have to answer a few questions, such as whether you own the home in question and details of your ownership and its sales history. When the search completes, you’ll have the chance to create an account, and only then will you be able to see the estimate.

RE/MAX

RE/MAX, one of the biggest real estate brokerages in the country, starts its estimation process by asking for the address of the property. Then it requests confirmation of a few details, including the number of bedrooms and bathrooms and the square footage of the home. One drawback of this tool is that you cannot include half-baths in the calculation — it only allows for whole numbers. Once you provide the details, the tool displays two automated estimates from two different companies. It also provides a list of comparable homes within the same zip code.

Other methods of home valuation

Online tools can be useful for providing a rough idea of a home’s worth. But even the best home value estimators will still have some margin of error. That’s because these tools rely on publicly available data and can’t take into account the specifics of your neighborhood or your house, including any recent renovations or upgrades you might have made.

To get the most accurate figure, hire a professional home appraiser, who will perform an expert assessment to help you understand your home’s worth. While an appraisal can cost several hundred dollars, it can help ensure you set an appropriate asking price so that your home sale goes more smoothly.

You can also ask your real estate agent to perform a comparative market analysis. This thorough research exercise compiles and analyzes a plethora of data to help inform your home’s market value, including the sale prices of similar properties in your area, the features and condition of your house, local and national housing trends and more.

Next steps

Automated home value estimators are useful, but they can’t replace the human expertise of a real estate agent or professional appraiser. Whether you’re looking to buy a new home or sell your current home, work with an agent who knows your local market well to get a better understanding of the home’s value.

FAQs

  • Online home valuation tools are easy to use and can provide a rough estimate of what a home might be worth. But getting the home professionally appraised by a licensed appraiser will provide the most accurate value estimate.

  • Results from even the best home value estimators can vary widely. Each tool uses its own algorithm, which takes specific data into account, but none are as accurate as an in-person assessment from a licensed home appraiser. As you can see in the table above, the same house can yield vastly different valuations from different online tools.

  • There are many ways to add value to your home, but not all will be worth the price when it comes time to sell. Most major projects will not recoup their cost, so if you want a gut-remodel of your kitchen or a finished basement with all the bells and whistles, do it for yourself, not because you think it’ll make you more money when you sell. Inexpensive ways to boost value include boosting curb appeal with bright flowers, power washing windows and driveways, and even just a fresh coat of paint.

Home Value Estimator Tools Compared | Bankrate (2024)

FAQs

What is the most accurate home value estimator? ›

Any one of these options will give you a good idea of what your home is worth.
  1. Redfin's “How Much is my House Worth?” Tool. Redfin is one of the leading real estate websites. ...
  2. Zillow “How Much is My Home Worth” Checker. ...
  3. Realtor.com Home Value Estimator. ...
  4. Chase Home Value Estimator. ...
  5. Remax Home Value Estimator. ...
  6. Trulia.
Jan 21, 2024

What is the most accurate house valuation website? ›

Zoopla also have a few other tools that can help. They have a tool that gives a 'Zoopla estimate'. Although it's just a ballpark figure, it's probably still the most accurate estimate tool available. They say that it's just a 'guide price' of a property's value.

Which property valuation is most accurate? ›

While it is possible to estimate the value of a property on your own, it is best to consult with a professional property valuer to get the most accurate estimate possible. For this, look to Romeo Property Valuers.

What is the best way to determine the value of a house? ›

“) The most accurate option is likely to have the home professionally appraised, which will cost a few hundred dollars. There are many ways to find out your home's value. Online estimation tools (like this one) are a popular option and a good starting point.

Is Zillow's Zestimate accurate? ›

The nationwide median error rate for the Zestimate for on-market homes is 2.4%, while the Zestimate for off-market homes has a median error rate of 7.49%.

How accurate is the Redfin estimate? ›

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.

Where is the best place to check property value? ›

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.
Apr 10, 2024

Which property valuation method is best? ›

Top 4 Methods of Real Estate Appraisal
  • Sales Comparison Approach. The sales comparison approach assumes that prior sales of similar properties provide the best indication of a property's value. ...
  • Cost Approach Appraisal. ...
  • Income Approach Appraisal. ...
  • Price Per Square Foot.
Feb 22, 2022

Which Realty site is most accurate? ›

Compare Providers
Company NameCost
Zillow Best OverallFree to buyers, renters, and sellers
Realtor.com Most AccurateFree to buyers and renters
Trulia Best Mobile AppFree for users
Foreclosure.com Best for Foreclosures$39.80 monthly for web version;14 $39.99 for mobile version
3 more rows

What is the best predictor of a property's market value? ›

Comparable home sales in the area will influence a home's listing price. How much have similar homes recently sold for in the community? Understanding the value of comparable properties (also known as "comps") can go a long way in determining home value.

Which source provides the most accurate property appraisals? ›

Quantarium. Founded by a leading team of scientists and Ph. Ds, Quantarium is one of the most accurate sources of property insights for over 153 million U.S. properties, and is trusted by major mortgage lenders, financial institutions, and home builders.

What provides the best estimate of a property's value? ›

Cost Approach to Value

It is the most reliable approach for valuing unique properties. The cost approach provides a value indication that is the sum of the estimated land value, plus the depreciated cost of the building and other improvements.

What is the #1 thing that determines the value of a home? ›

Location is the cornerstone to a home's value. You can modify a house to fit your needs, but the location will always stay the same. The location of a home and its proximity to desired resources are often the most important deciding factor for a buyer.

How do you calculate if a property is worth buying? ›

Simply divide the median house price by the median annual rent to generate a ratio. As a general rule of thumb, consumers should consider buying when the ratio is under 15 and rent when it is above 20. Markets with a high price/rent ratio usually do not offer as good an investment opportunity.

How do you determine if a house is worth the asking price? ›

Check comparable prices for recent sales in your neighborhood. Consider the state of your local economy and its prospects for the near future. Get a professional appraisal. Ask a real estate professional for an honest opinion.

Which realty site is most accurate? ›

Compare Providers
Company NameCost
Zillow Best OverallFree to buyers, renters, and sellers
Realtor.com Most AccurateFree to buyers and renters
Trulia Best Mobile AppFree for users
Foreclosure.com Best for Foreclosures$39.80 monthly for web version;14 $39.99 for mobile version
3 more rows

How accurate are Trulia home values? ›

That data is only shared with the Realtor community and tax entities. In some parts of the country, Trulia and Zillow are highly accurate — but those are areas with “open record” laws. In closed record states, Trulia and Zillow use tax appraisals for valuation. Again, in our market, the tax appraisals are inaccurate.

Is CoreLogic home value accurate? ›

As a leading real estate data provider, CoreLogic has access to a wealth of data sources to drive greater valuation accuracy and consistency. Our property database spans 5.5B+ records and 99.75% of the data we collect comes directly from the source to ensure that our AVM data set is universal and complete.

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