Why You Shouldn't Rely on Online Home Evaluation Tools

By John Salkowski

The JRS Realty Group, founded by high-producing Real Estate Broker & Author John Salkowski was built on the notion that the secret to achieving incredible goals and getting true results is to dominate real estate with a team approach.

Over the past few weeks, I’ve spent a lot of time responding to emails and phone calls from current and past clients who want to know what their homes are really worth. Some are preparing to sell, while others are simply curious about their equity. In every case, they’re reaching out because I offer a free home equity report that gives a general idea of their property’s current value.

If you’re wondering whether you should trust online home value estimates or not, here’s what you need to know:

What to know about online evaluation tools. One thing I always emphasize is that online home evaluation tools, including AI-based ones, are not always reliable. While they may offer quick estimates, I’ve personally sold homes for hundreds of thousands of dollars more than what those tools predicted.

These platforms only consider basic details like square footage, number of bedrooms, and bathrooms. They don’t account for important factors like whether your home has been fully remodeled or needs significant updates. That missing context can result in values that are far from accurate.

The key is a precise report. We also provide online evaluations, and we often receive feedback from clients saying the numbers seem way off. In most cases, they are. That’s why I encourage anyone who’s seriously interested in knowing how much equity they’ve built to reach out directly. There’s no cost or obligation. We can create a more precise report without needing to visit your property, but if you want the most accurate valuation possible, we’re happy to schedule a brief 30-minute visit to walk through the home.

This isn’t just about numbers. It’s about helping you make informed decisions based on accurate, personalized information. If you’re wondering how much equity you’ve gained or what your home might sell for in today’s market, don’t rely solely on automated tools.

If you have questions or would like to receive your free home equity report, please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can call me at (610) 308-5893 or send an email to john@jrsrealtygroup.com. I’m here to help.