If you’re thinking about selling your home this year, you’ve probably checked its value using tools like Zillow or Redfin. These apps promise quick estimates based on data and algorithms, and they’re getting better every year. But here’s the big question: can you really trust AI to price your most valuable asset accurately?
Before you list your home with an AI price estimate, you need to hear this:
Recently, clients reached out to us after seeing an AI estimate valuing their home at $620,000. They wanted a professional valuation, so we met with them and discovered that their home included a $70,000 kitchen upgrade, along with several impressive technology enhancements throughout the property.
After listing the home at $685,000, we received multiple offers within weeks, ultimately securing $70,000 more for our clients than the AI estimate suggested. They were thrilled that they trusted our professional guidance rather than relying solely on AI.
So, let’s break down what these tools do well, where they fall short, and how to ensure your pricing strategy helps you avoid losing out on thousands.
"AI can crunch data in seconds, but it can’t walk through your house."
What AI does well in home valuation. AI tools have come a long way by 2025. They pull in tons of data from public records, MLS sales, and even tax info to give you a quick estimate of your home’s value.
If you’re in a neighborhood with cookie-cutter houses, like a suburban subdivision where every home’s got a similar vibe, these tools can be pretty spot-on.
Where AI misses the mark. Despite their strengths, AI tools have notable blind spots. They can’t physically tour your home to assess unique upgrades, like a $40,000 basement turned home theater or breathtaking mountain views.
It also struggles in markets with diverse or limited sales data, like older neighborhoods, custom builds, or rural spots. In fast-changing markets, AI often lags, relying on past sales rather than current buyer behavior.
Why local real estate agents still rule. AI’s only as good as the data it has, and that data isn’t always up to speed. A new development down the road or a big community project boosting your neighborhood’s appeal? AI might not know about it yet, but a local agent does. We’re out there seeing what’s selling, what’s sitting, and what buyers are buzzing about at open houses. That kind of real-time, boots-on-the-ground insight gives human expertise an edge that no algorithm can match.
What’s the best strategy to get your home’s true value? Simply put, just use both AI and ask for help from a local expert. Having a local real estate agent help you with your pricing will be one of your best decisions if you want to get more for your home. AI is a great starting point, but it shouldn’t be your only pricing tool. Top agents combine data-driven tools with real-time feedback and local knowledge.
We use AI for broad trends and human experience for the details that actually drive offers. Remember: Getting the price right isn’t just about numbers, it’s about understanding what makes your home stand out today.
If you’re planning to sell this year, don’t let a computer decide your asking price. Feel free to reach out to us at (978) 852-3001 or PBrouillette@LaerRealty.com. We’re happy to help you see how much your home is really worth and how to get the offers you deserve.
