No, Zillow Doesn’t Know Your Home’s True Value (Here’s Why)

If you’ve ever checked your Zillow home value and thought, “Wow, my house is worth that much?” or “Wait, that can’t be right,” — you’re not alone. In Maryland, where neighborhoods can change drastically from one street to the next, relying on an algorithm to price your home can be risky business.

Let’s break down why those famous Zestimates often miss the mark and what you can do instead to get an accurate home value estimate in Maryland.

1. Zillow Doesn’t Know Your Street,  But Your Local Agent Does

Zillow pulls data from public records and recent sales, but it doesn’t walk your block in Anne Arundel or tour your neighbor’s kitchen in Howard County. It can’t tell if your home has a new roof, a remodeled basement, or that amazing backyard that’s the envy of Carroll County.

Real estate in Maryland is hyper-local. A home in Towson can sell for far more than a similar one in Dundalk, even if the square footage looks the same online. Algorithms can’t feel those market nuances, but a local agent who knows the area inside and out definitely can.

2. Zestimates Don’t Factor In Upgrades, Condition, or Charm

Zillow can’t see the new kitchen you just invested in or the custom deck overlooking your Baltimore County garden. It doesn’t know if your home has energy-efficient windows or if your neighbor’s property needs serious TLC.

Condition plays a huge role in an accurate home appraisal, and computers simply can’t capture that context. Two houses might look identical in data, but one could need $50,000 in repairs while the other is move-in ready — that’s a massive price gap.

3. Maryland Markets Move Fast, and Zillow Lags Behind

The Maryland market can shift quickly, especially in hot areas like Ellicott City, Bel Air, or Hampstead. Zillow’s data might be weeks (or even months) behind, which means your Zestimate may not reflect current buyer demand or new sales trends.

A professional Maryland home appraisal or a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) from an agent uses real-time data, so you know exactly what your home could sell for right now — not last quarter.

4. The Zestimate is a Starting Point, Not the Final Word

To be fair, Zillow itself admits that its numbers are estimates, not appraisals. They’re meant to give a general sense of value, not an exact one. Think of it like checking the weather app before stepping outside — helpful, but not always spot-on.

If you’re getting ready to sell, refinance, or even just curious about your home’s worth, it’s smart to use Zillow as a reference point and then verify with a real expert.

5. How to Get an Accurate Home Value Estimate in Maryland

Here’s what actually works:

• Request a free CMA from a local agent who specializes in your area.

• Compare recent sales within a tight radius and timeframe.

• Factor in your home’s upgrades and overall condition.

• Consider timing, since market conditions in Maryland can shift with the seasons.

The Teal Clise Group does this every day for homeowners across Baltimore City, Harford, Anne Arundel, and beyond. We don’t rely on guesswork — we rely on experience, market data, and a deep understanding of what buyers are looking for right now.

The Bottom Line

Zillow’s estimate is a fun starting point, but it’s not the full picture. In a state as diverse and competitive as Maryland, a few digits on a screen can’t replace local expertise.

If you want to know what your home is really worth, reach out to The Teal Clise Group for a complimentary home valuation. You’ll get an honest, data-backed assessment tailored to your property — no algorithms required.

📞 Ready to find out your home’s true value?
Contact The Teal Clise Group today for your personalized Maryland home appraisal and expert guidance.