Why Your Home’s Online Valuation Is Probably Wrong
Ever checked your home’s value on multiple websites? If you’re like most San Francisco homeowners, you’ve seen estimates that vary by hundreds of thousands of dollars. Here’s why those algorithms struggle with our market—and when to actually trust them.
Same House, Different Numbers
How three popular tools value the same San Francisco property
Where Algorithms Fail in San Francisco
Online valuations work reasonably well in places filled with nearly identical homes—think large condo developments or suburban tracts. Here, no two homes are alike. One might be a meticulously restored Edwardian, another a sleek modern rebuild tucked behind a historic façade. Some offer sweeping views of the Bay; others stare straight at the freeway. You’ll find tiered gardens designed by Flora Grubb next to wild, undeveloped hillsides. Algorithms can’t see any of that—they only crunch numbers.
Here’s what else breaks the models:
The tenant factor.
Whether a home is vacant or tenant-occupied can swing value by hundreds of thousands. Rent control data rarely appears in any algorithm.
Parking realities.
Is it deeded, leased, tandem, or nonexistent? A single parking space can change both demand and price dramatically—but most valuation models treat it like a checkbox.
Unpermitted or off-market improvements.
Many remodels never make it into public records. Buyers see them. Algorithms don’t.
Micro-locations.
In San Francisco, property values can swing dramatically within a few blocks — sometimes even across the street. Factors like views, sunlight, wind exposure, traffic patterns, and subtle shifts in neighborhood boundaries all play a role. What feels like a short walk on paper can mean a completely different lifestyle, microclimate, or price point in reality.
Getting an Accurate Valuation
In a city this nuanced, accurate valuation demands human insight. A professional assessment considers architecture, finish quality, buyer psychology, off-market comps, and hyperlocal trends—things no algorithm can truly grasp.
Whether you're looking to sell or buy in San Francisco's fast-moving market, connect with our team for a professional valuation grounded in real, local expertise—not just algorithms.