Zillow’s Zestimate might give you a number—but it can’t give you the truth. Homeowners who rely on online algorithms risk overpricing, underpricing, or making poor investment decisions. At Tight And Right Real Estate Valuation, I deliver accurate, court-defensible home appraisals across New Jersey—because when it comes to your largest asset, only local expertise counts.
If you’ve ever typed your address into Zillow, chances are you’ve seen the “Zestimate”—a number claiming to represent your home’s current market value. Sounds convenient, right?
But here’s the truth: Zestimates are not appraisals. They’re estimates generated by algorithms—and while that number might make you smile (or frown), it’s often far from accurate.
I’m Cardwell Thaxton, founder of Tight And Right Real Estate Valuation, and I help homeowners across New Jersey understand their home’s true worth. When it comes to buying, selling, refinancing, or estate planning, relying on a Zestimate can cost you—sometimes tens of thousands of dollars.
The Zestimate is Zillow’s proprietary estimate of a home’s market value, generated automatically using:
Because it’s instantly accessible, many homeowners mistake it for an actual appraisal. But it’s not.
Zillow even acknowledges that its estimates can be off by 7–10% or more, depending on your location. In New Jersey’s volatile housing market, that can mean a difference of $25,000–$75,000 or more.
Zillow uses Automated Valuation Models (AVMs)—computer algorithms that crunch big data. While powerful in theory, they rely on:
Here’s the catch: AVMs can’t see inside your home. They can’t tell if you’ve remodeled the kitchen, replaced the roof, or let maintenance slide.
Only a licensed appraiser near me with local boots-on-the-ground experience can assess your property accurately.
When sellers price their home based on a Zestimate, three things can happen—and none of them are good:
You scare away buyers. Your home sits on the market, and you’re forced to drop the price later—often below what you could have received with proper pricing.
You leave money on the table. Investors or savvy buyers pounce on the opportunity, and you lose equity you could’ve captured.
Banks and courts won’t accept Zestimates. You’ll still need a certified appraisal, and inaccurate expectations may delay approvals or cause disputes among heirs.
A licensed appraiser doesn’t guess—they evaluate. At Tight And Right Real Estate Valuation, I assess:
The result is a USPAP-compliant report that can be used for:
Every county—and even neighborhood—in New Jersey has its own pricing pattern. The difference between Bloomfield and Montclair, or Cherry Hill and Deptford, can be tens of thousands.
As your “appraiser near me,” I provide valuations in:
Unlike an algorithm, I’m familiar with everything from new developments to changing school zones that impact your home’s value.
A homeowner in Camden County called me after listing their home based on a $460,000 Zestimate. After 45 days on the market and no serious offers, they were concerned.
I conducted a full appraisal and found the actual market value was closer to $495,000—thanks to a recently renovated kitchen, finished basement, and updated HVAC.
They relisted at the appraised price and received two offers within a week.
Lesson learned: online estimates missed nearly $35,000 in value.
Fun Fact: Zillow’s CEO sold his own home for 40% less than its Zestimate in 2020.
Expert Insight: According to the National Association of Realtors, 89% of real estate professionals say online estimates are “rarely accurate”—especially in competitive or fast-moving markets.
No. It’s an algorithmic estimate. Only a licensed appraiser can provide an official valuation.
No. Lenders require certified appraisals that meet USPAP standards.
Occasionally. But they’re usually off—sometimes by thousands. They don’t account for your home’s unique condition or local nuances.
Typical fees range from $400 to $700, depending on property size and complexity.
At Tight And Right Real Estate Valuation, most reports are delivered within 48–72 hours of inspection.
Your home is likely the biggest financial asset you own. Don’t trust its value to an algorithm.
At Tight And Right Real Estate Valuation, I offer accurate, detailed, and local home appraisals that give you the confidence to sell, refinance, or settle your estate with clarity.
If you’re relying on a Zestimate, you might be relying on a myth. Let’s get you the facts.
Don’t trust algorithms—get a true valuation from a local expert. Call 908-456-1593 Email CardwellThaxton@gmail.com
Trusted appraisals from Essex to Gloucester County—your home deserves Tight And Right.