Step 1
At www.zillow.com, click on “Zestimate” and plug your address into the search box. You’ll get an estimate of your home’s market value—what you might reasonably expect a buyer to pay for it. Zillow collects data from public records and recent comparable home sales and runs the information through a computer model.
See Our Slide Show: What $300K Buys You Now
Step 2
Zillow says the accuracy of its data depends on what’s available in your area. Nationally, Zestimates have a median error rate of 6.9%, which means half are within the error percentage and half are less accurate. You can check error rates for top metro areas and by state in the Help Center. Also check the information for your home, such as the number of bedrooms and the total square feet of living space.
Step 3
Zillow encourages users to correct the data or add features. Choose “Edit home facts and photos” from the drop-down menu next to “Report Home.” (You will have to register and sign in.) You can add a personal description of your home and upload a photo.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
The payoff
You can get a read on whether your home’s price is going up or down.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Zillow recently announced plans to acquire fellow real-estate site Trulia.com. You can also use Trulia's Home Values estimator.
-
Dementia Hot Spots: Is Your Region Raising Your Risk?Why a 25% higher dementia risk could be tied to your US location. But you're not powerless; there are 14 ways to lower your risk.
-
Five Surprising Senate Bill Tax Changes to KnowTax Policy U.S. Senate Republicans released proposed tax changes for Trump’s ‘one big, beautiful bill.” Some provisions are already stirring debate.
-
Roth IRA Contribution Limits for 2025Roth IRAs Roth IRA contribution limits have gone up. Here's what you need to know.
-
How to Search For Foreclosures Near You: Best Websites for ListingsMaking Your Money Last Searching for a foreclosed home? These top-rated foreclosure websites — including free, paid and government options — can help you find listings near you.
-
Luxury Home Prices Rise as the Rich Dodge High Mortgage RatesLuxury home prices rose 9% to the highest third-quarter level on record, Redfin reports, growing nearly three times faster than non-luxury prices.
-
Four Tips for Renting Out Your Home on Airbnbreal estate Here's what you should know before listing your home on Airbnb.
-
Five Ways to a Cheap Last-Minute VacationTravel It is possible to pull off a cheap last-minute vacation. Here are some tips to make it happen.
-
How to Figure Out How Much Life Insurance You Needinsurance Instead of relying on rules of thumb, you’re better off taking a systematic approach to figuring your life insurance needs.
-
Amazon Big Deal Days Is Coming! We’ve Got All the DetailsAmazon Prime To kick off the holiday season with a bang, Amazon Big Deal Days runs Tuesday, October 8 and Wednesday, October 9.
-
How to Shop for Life Insurance in 3 Easy Stepsinsurance Shopping for life insurance? You may be able to estimate how much you need online, but that's just the start of your search.
