I was having a conversation with a friend the other day and he told me he checks out prices of homes on Zillow.
I suggested we do a little checking on our own. A few days before our discussion, I received an appraisal on a condo that had NO upgrades and was in very poor condition. Zillow said it was worth $186 per square foot. The connecting condo, which was totally upgraded (about $125,000 in upgrades), and actually had a much better view, was listed on Zillow at $156 a square foot. The two condos were comparable in size. He was shocked when he saw these two figures on Zillow, knowing the condition of both condos.
I don’t know about you, but I prefer to actually have someone LOOK at the properties they are comparing. Computers can’t SEE what they are comparing. In our area; Fairway, Lake and Mountain VIEWS add quite a bit of weight to an appraisal, as do improvements. We live in the Palm Springs Desert area and “snowbirds” like South and West facing patios so they can bask in the sun throughout the winter months. Those VIEWS and DIRECTIONS can add upwards of $50,000 or more in some communities to the price tag! Your best investment
So the next time you want to know what the actual VALUE of a property is, call a Realtor who is familiar with recent sales and familiar with the area. They are a lot more reliable than a COMPUTER. And if it happens to be in the Palm Springs Desert Area, please give me, Nancy Hankin, a call. I’m here to help you any way I can. I can also give you a friendly Smile…….something computers haven’t figured out how to do yet.
Palm Springs is not for sissies!
IMPORTANT: If you or someone you know is interested in buying or selling a home in the Palm Desert Area, try searching properties on the same Desert Area MLS Realtor’s use, or give me a call….or visit my website at Palm Springs Homes and Estates. I will be happy to give you or your referral my “red carpet service.” After the sale, I will send you a $50 Gift Certificate towards dinner in a fabulous Palm Springs Area Restaurant so you can celebrate!
Brought to You By Your Favorite Realtor
Nancy Hankin
Comments(2)