What Zillow Can’t Tell You: The Human Side of Property Valuation
By Richard Maize
In the age of algorithms, it’s easy to assume that property value is a fixed number—one that a website like Zillow or Redfin can neatly calculate down to the dollar. But ask any seasoned investor, and they’ll tell you the truth: real estate valuation is as much an art as it is a science.
The Algorithm Doesn’t Walk the Property
Zillow can estimate square footage, compare comps, and scan recent sales—but it can’t walk through a house and feel its energy. It doesn’t notice the unobstructed sunset view from the back deck, the block’s emerging coffee scene, or the quality of craftsmanship in a custom renovation.
A home's value isn’t just about specs. It's about story, emotion, and context—things no algorithm can fully grasp.
What the Numbers Miss
When I evaluate a property, here are just a few things I consider that Zillow can’t:
The emotional appeal of a layout (awkward vs. inviting)
Curb appeal that photos don’t capture
Whispers in the neighborhood—a new development coming, a school zoning shift, or a local business boom
Seller motivation—which can significantly influence the final price
Zillow might say $1.2 million, but I know that with the right buyer, the right staging, and the right moment, that same property might go for $1.35—or sit for months if the market cools.
Investors Should Trust Their Eyes, Not Just the Internet
In a data-driven world, it’s tempting to rely solely on digital tools. And don’t get me wrong—Zillow and platforms like it have a place. But if you’re an investor, your edge comes from seeing what others overlook. From talking to neighbors. From noticing how morning light hits the living room. From asking the questions that algorithms don’t know to ask.
Final Thought
Great investments aren’t just about getting the best price—they’re about understanding value. And value lives in nuance.
So the next time you’re tempted to make a decision based solely on an online estimate, ask yourself: What can’t this website see that I can?
That’s where the real opportunity lies.
— Richard Maize
