An online home value estimate is a software-generated reference point, not a professional appraisal. It may be useful for starting a conversation, but the number alone does not establish a listing price.
What Information Can Go Into an Estimate?
Different models may use property records, available sales, listing information, tax assessments, user-provided details, and home price indexes. Confirm the model's actual inputs and update schedule rather than assuming they are identical across providers.
Why Estimates Differ
Coverage, property details, model choices, and timing can produce different estimates for the same address. Renovations, deferred maintenance, and unusual features may not be represented accurately.
Accuracy Statistics Need Context
A median error is not an individual home's error bound or a confidence interval. Check a provider's current published methodology and the relevant geography before quoting any accuracy figure.
Estimate, CMA, and Appraisal
A market-data estimate offers a recurring reference. A CMA uses comparable sales and an agent's professional judgment for pricing discussions. A licensed appraiser prepares an appraisal for its specified purpose.
Touchpoint Valuation's Method
Estimates start from the purchase price and date you enter, then adjust for local home price changes using ZIP-level home price indexes, with city, metro and state fallbacks where ZIP data is thin. This is a market-data estimate, not an appraisal, a broker price opinion, or a CMA.
Ask your agent about property-specific differences before using an estimate to make a financial decision. Current plans and prices are always listed on our pricing page.
