5 Ways to Find Out What Your Home Is Worth…and Why Online Estimators Can Be Wrong

5 Ways to Find Out What Your Westchester Home Is Worth

(And Why Online Estimators Can Be Wrong)

If you’re a homeowner in Westchester County, NY, chances are you’ve wondered what your property is really worth.  Especially in today’s dynamic market. While online estimators like Zillow’s Zestimate or Redfin’s Estimate offer quick answers, they often miss the mark. Here’s how to get a more accurate picture of your home’s value and why relying solely on online tools can be misleading.

1. Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) by a Local Agent

A CMA is one of the most reliable ways to determine your home’s value. Real estate agents use recent sales of similar homes in your neighborhood to assess your property’s worth. They factor in square footage, lot size, condition, upgrades, and location nuances. Things online estimators often overlook.

Why it’s better than online tools: Agents know the local market intimately. They can adjust for things like school district desirability or proximity to transit, which algorithms can’t always quantify.

2. Professional Appraisal

Hiring a licensed appraiser gives you an unbiased, expert opinion. Appraisers use standardized methods and in-person inspections to evaluate your home’s condition, features, and market trends.

Try companies like Connect Appraisal can assist you with this.  Website

Best for: Refinancing, estate planning, or preparing for a sale where accuracy is critical.

3. Reviewing Recent Sales Yourself

You can do some legwork by checking recent sales in your neighborhood on platforms like MLS, Redfin, or Realtor.com. Look for homes similar in size, age, and style, and adjust for differences.

Tip: Be cautious about using homes that sold under unusual circumstances (e.g., foreclosure or estate sales), as they may not reflect true market value.

4. Using County Tax Assessments (With Caution)

Westchester County provides assessed values for tax purposes, which can offer a baseline. However, these values are often outdated or based on mass appraisal techniques.

Why it’s limited: Tax assessments don’t account for renovations, market shifts, or unique property features.

5. Online Estimators (Use as a Starting Point Only)

Sites like Zillow, Redfin, and Realtor.com use automated valuation models (AVMs) to estimate home values. These tools pull data from public records and recent sales, but they can be off by tens of thousands of dollars.

Why they can be wrong:

• Outdated or incorrect public records (e.g., missing renovations)
• Lack of local context (e.g., school district boundaries or neighborhood appeal)
• Inability to assess condition or upgrades (e.g., a new kitchen or roof)
• Algorithm limitations (e.g., comparing homes across very different areas)

Final Thoughts

Your home is likely one of your biggest investments, and knowing its true value is essential.  Whether you’re selling, refinancing, or just curious. While online estimators are convenient, they should never be your only source. For Westchester homeowners, combining local expertise with professional tools is the key to getting it right.

Navigating the sale of a family home can be complex and emotionally taxing. As a senior real estate specialist, I can help guide you through this process with expertise and compassion. Feel free to reach out to me for personalized assistance.

As your local SRES® (Senior Real Estate Specialist), I’m here to guide you every step of the way.

Whether it’s planning, selling your home, or finding your next perfect space, I’m ready to help.

Let’s simplify your move together!

Jennifer Martire Baukol for all your real estate needs.

“I am committed to providing the most personable, elite and professional customer service. 
My promise to you is to 

(1) put your interests first, 

(2) help you reach your goals quickly, 

(3) treat you as she would like to be treated, 

(4) focus on the solution not problems, and 

(5) provide you with the highest level of attention and feedback. 

Whether you need extra room for a home office or nursery, or a smaller home that requires less upkeep and cost, I’ll bring you to the place that’s tailor-made just for you.

Servicing Westchester County, New York & Fairfield County, Connecticut.

Contact me today to get started. (914) 584-2211.”

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