Does Zillow know how much your home is worth? Absolutely not. Any computer algorithm is going to make mistakes in valuing your greatest asset, but just how wrong could it be? Today, we're diving into the numbers to prove that the only person that should tell you your home's worth, is a trusted, professional realtor who knows the market. Here, I'll prove it. Take a look at these five examples from this year:

332 Magnet in The Great Park. Zillow said it was worth $1.3 Million. But our final sales price was $1.425, that's $125 grand more than the Zestimate! Or a difference of 9%! 

Or what about 24 Starlight in Turtle Rock. Zillow said $2.176 Million, but the market said... $2.350 Million! That's a whopping $174,000 more, which translates to an 8% difference between Zillow's zestimate and the actual market value! It's clear that Zillow's algorithm isn't always on the mark when it comes to valuing homes.

Now, let's take a look at 1404 Charleston in the heart of Tustin. Zillow's estimate was $1.8 million, but our final sales price shattered that expectation at $2,005,888. That's nearly a quarter of a million dollars more than Zillow predicted, and a substantial 11% MORE in our Seller’s pocket.

Moving on, let's talk about 11 Porter. Zillow valued it at $2,072,000, but the real market value proved to be higher at $2,150,000. That's $78,000 more than Zillow's estimate, showing a 4% disparity. When a discrepancy as small as 4% still means 78,000 LESS in the bank, that's worth looking into!

Finally, 29 Maple Leaf, the Zestimate was $1,246,700. However, when it came to the actual sale, we negotiated a remarkable $1,540,000. That's a difference of $293,300, or a staggering 19% more than Zillow's estimate. 

So clearly, Zillow had it all wrong with these five homes. But what could possibly be to blame, besides a bad algorithm? Well for starters, all five of those homes were sold by yours truly! So not to boast too much, but clearly I have my finger on the pulse of the market… a lot better than some computer program! 

But maybe it's not just knowing the market that accomplished this feat. After all, Zillow bases its algorithm on recent comparable sales in the area, which is hard data. The difference is what my team likes to call the "Monica Factor"... or as one of our clients once said (“MO MONEY MONICA’) You see, the real estate market is influenced by countless variables, emotions, and market trends that a computer algorithm simply can't capture. That's where our proven system comes into play.

Starting with our savvy pricing strategy. We don't just rely on algorithms; we take it a step further. We use up-to-date MLS data and integrate it with our rich knowledge of current Orange County market conditions, including supply & demand levels. This ensures that when we list your home for sale, it's done at a fair value, neither too high nor too low. Our goal is to get the most eyes on your home, generating a bidding war that drives the value as high as possible.

We also collaborate with our designer and contractor to offer insightful assessments, identifying areas where a smart investment could make a significant impact. In the case of all five of these homes, It meant professional staging. Our design experts understand the art of emotional staging, creating an atmosphere that resonates with prospective buyers. Our designer curates an environment that allows the buyer to envision themselves living in your home. I like to call this “selling the dream”. From thoughtfully selected furnishings to inviting decor and irresistible ambiance, we craft a captivating experience that distinguishes your home from the rest, beginning with their first online glimpse.

Still, enhancing your property and setting the right price are just the beginning. Selling a home is more than a mere listing; it's about unveiling its unique charm to make potential buyers fall in love. Our team excels in crafting exceptional marketing campaigns that elevate your home to "HOT PROPERTY" status. We specialize in capturing your property's essence through professional photography, compelling walk-through videos, and immersive 3D tours that accentuate its best features.

Finally, the real magic happens during negotiations. Managing multiple offers in this competitive market while retaining all buyers and securing the best price and terms demands skill, intuition, and confidence. With over two decades of experience and a track record of securing top dollar for our clients, we're your steadfast advocates at the negotiation table.

But let's be candid—the negotiations commence long before that. That's why we employ strategic showing windows and shorter open house durations to create a bustling open house experience, leaving visitors with the impression that your home is highly sought after (which it is!). With multiple offers on the table, we strategically leverage them to drive up the price and secure the most favorable terms. Our success stories with your neighbor's homes in Irvine, Tustin and beyond are a proud testament to our exceptional skills and unwavering commitment to maximizing your home's value.

But, hey! Maybe at those zillow prices, the owners could’ve saved money on the commissions. Afterall, there’s lots of DISCOUNT agents out there who don't do all the hard work or spend as much money as we do. In the case of 29 Maple leaf, 1% discount in the fee would’ve saved the Seller $12k. Hmmmm, let's see… $12k saved or $350k extra in the bank ???  You get what you pay for, and hiring the wrong agent could cost you dearly.

Your home is probably worth more than you think. And if the price you see online at sites like Zillow or Redfin get you excited about the value, why don't you give me a call. I can guarantee that if you let me do my job right, I can get you way more money for your home than what any algorithm is predicting. Because once again, Zillow dont have what I’ve got. And that's the Monica Factor! Just imagine the possibilities of earning a remarkable sum that could transform your financial future, open doors to new opportunities, or even allow you to upgrade to the home of your dreams. 

And of course, if you ARE thinking of putting your home on the market this year, don’t hesitate to give me a call! 

I hope this was helpful! We’re making content about all things real estate and Orange County on our youtube channel every week, so be sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more! And if you know someone who needs to see this, send them a link. See you next time!