What’s My Home Really Worth in New Jersey? Why Zillow Gets It Wrong

Zillow Gave You a Number. Now What?

If you’ve looked up your home on Zillow, you probably saw a Zestimate that made you either excited or confused. Many New Jersey homeowners use Zillow as a starting point to find out what their home is worth. But here’s the problem: that number may be way off.

The Zestimate can’t fully account for what makes your home unique, and it often misses important local factors. If you’re serious about selling your home or even just curious about its value, there’s a better way to get a clear and accurate answer.

Why Zillow's Estimate Might Be Inaccurate

Zillow’s algorithm pulls data from public records and recent sales in your area. But it cannot:

• See the upgrades you’ve made inside your home
• Understand the condition of the property
• Consider the location on a specific block or cul-de-sac
• Factor in current market demand in your neighborhood

In New Jersey, where neighborhoods can change drastically within a few blocks, that lack of precision matters. An outdated home nearby could drag down your Zestimate, even if your home is completely renovated.

Zestimate vs a Local Market Evaluation

Think of the Zestimate as a guess. A local market evaluation by a Realtor is based on real comps, buyer behavior, and your home’s actual condition. It’s not automated. It’s personal, professional, and backed by local experience.

When you work with an agent, you’ll get a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) that looks at:

• Recently sold homes with similar features
• Current competition on the market
• Buyer demand trends in your zip code
• Your home’s condition, upgrades, and curb appeal

Why Accuracy Matters When Selling Your Home

If your price is too high based on Zillow’s number, your home could sit on the market with little activity. If it’s too low, you risk leaving money behind. The right price comes from local expertise, not an algorithm.

Curious What Your NJ Home is Really Worth?

If you're considering selling or just want a second opinion on your Zestimate, I’ll provide a custom home valuation based on local data and experience—not a guess from a national website.

Let’s find out what your home is truly worth in today’s market and build a strategy to help you sell for the right price.