The fastest way to find your home value

Start with Zillow, Redfin, or Realtor.com. Type your address into the search box on any of these sites and you will see an estimated value within seconds. These estimates are free and do not require you to create an account. The number you see is called a Zestimate (on Zillow), an Estimate (on Redfin), or an Automated Valuation Model (on Realtor.com) — they all work the same way, using public records and recent sales nearby to guess what your house would sell for today.

These estimates are useful for a rough idea, but they are not always accurate. A house with recent renovations, unusual features, or a lot of land may be worth more or less than the estimate suggests. The further your home is from recent sales of similar houses, the less reliable the number becomes.

Key Takeaways

  • Free online estimates from Zillow, Redfin, or Realtor.com give you a starting point in minutes, though they can be off by 5 to 20 percent depending on your neighborhood.
  • County assessor records are public and show what the government thinks your home is worth for tax purposes, which is often lower than market value.
  • A real estate agent can provide a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) at no cost, using recent sales of homes like yours to estimate what buyers would pay today.
  • A professional appraisal costs $300 to $500 and is the most accurate method, but you typically only need one if you are refinancing or selling.
  • Your home value changes based on the market, recent sales nearby, condition of your house, and local economic factors — checking once a year is enough for most homeowners.

What county assessor records tell you

Every county assessor's office keeps a public record of what they believe your home is worth. You can find this by searching "[your county] assessor" online and entering your address. The assessor's value is used to calculate your property taxes, so it is usually lower than what your home would actually sell for on the open market.

The assessor updates values on a schedule that varies by state — some do it every year, others every three or five years. Even if the assessor's number is not the true market value, it is a useful second data point. If the assessor's value is much lower than what Zillow shows, it may mean your home has appreciated faster than the county has caught up to, which could affect your taxes in the future.

Getting a real estate agent's opinion

A real estate agent can prepare a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) for free, even if you are not planning to sell. The agent looks at homes similar to yours that sold in the last 90 days, adjusts for differences (like square footage, age, or condition), and gives you a range of what your home is likely worth. This is more reliable than an online estimate because it is based on actual recent sales and human judgment about your specific house.

To get a CMA, contact two or three local agents and ask them to prepare one. They do this hoping you will list with them later, so there is no charge. You do not have to commit to selling or listing — you are simply gathering information. The agent will visit your home, take photos, and send you a report within a few days.

When you need a professional appraisal

A professional appraisal is an official assessment done by a licensed appraiser who inspects your home in person, measures it, checks its condition, and researches recent sales. An appraisal typically costs $300 to $500 and is the most accurate way to know your home's value. However, you usually only need one if you are refinancing your mortgage or selling your home — lenders require an appraisal before they will lend you money against the house.

If you want an appraisal for your own knowledge (not for a lender), you can hire one independently through the American Society of Appraisers website or by calling local appraisers directly. The appraisal will be thorough and defensible in court, which matters if you ever need to dispute your property taxes or settle an insurance claim.

How recent sales in your area affect your estimate

Your home's value is tied to what similar homes sold for recently. If three houses like yours sold in the last month for $350,000, $355,000, and $360,000, your home is probably worth somewhere in that range. The more recent sales there are nearby, the more confident you can be in any estimate.

In slow markets where few homes sell, estimates become less reliable because there is less recent data. In fast-moving markets where homes sell quickly and prices are rising, even a sale from three months ago may undervalue your home. You can see recent sales in your area on Zillow, Redfin, or your county assessor's website — look for homes with similar square footage, lot size, age, and condition.

Why your home value changes

Your home's value moves with the local real estate market, which is driven by supply and demand, interest rates, local job growth, and school quality. A new employer moving to your area or a major employer leaving can shift values significantly. Interest rate changes affect how much buyers can afford to borrow, which changes what they will pay for a house.

Your home's condition also matters. A new roof, updated kitchen, or fresh paint can raise value. Deferred maintenance, outdated systems, or structural problems lower it. The condition of homes around you matters too — if your neighborhood is improving, your home appreciates faster; if it is declining, your home may not keep pace with the broader market.

How often to check your home value

For most homeowners, checking your home value once a year is enough. If you are thinking about selling or refinancing, check every few months to watch the trend. If you are simply tracking your net worth or planning long-term, annual checks give you a clear picture without the noise of month-to-month fluctuations.

Use the same source each time you check — Zillow one year and Redfin the next will give you different numbers and make it hard to see whether your home is actually appreciating. Stick with one tool so you can track the change over time. If you see a big drop in the estimate, it may be worth getting a CMA from an agent to understand why.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do different websites show different values for my home?

Each site uses slightly different data and algorithms. Zillow, Redfin, and Realtor.com may have access to different recent sales, weight neighborhood factors differently, or update their data on different schedules. Differences of 5 to 10 percent are normal. If one site shows a value far outside the range of the others, that estimate is probably less reliable.

Is the Zillow estimate accurate?

Zillow's estimate is a starting point, not a may provide. Zillow itself says its estimates are off by 5 to 20 percent on average, depending on how much recent sales data is available in your area. Homes in active markets with many recent sales are estimated more accurately than homes in quiet neighborhoods or rural areas.

Can I use an online estimate to refinance my home?

No. Lenders require a professional appraisal done by a licensed appraiser, not an online estimate. The appraisal is part of the refinance process and typically costs $300 to $500. You cannot skip this step or substitute an online estimate.

What if my home value dropped — does that affect my taxes?

It may, depending on your state and county. Some assessors automatically lower your assessed value if the market drops. Others only update assessments on a set schedule. If you believe your assessed value is too high compared to recent sales, you can file a property tax appeal with your county assessor's office — the process and deadline vary by location.

Should I get an appraisal just to know my home's value?

Only if you need a defensible, official number for a specific reason — like disputing property taxes or settling an insurance claim. For general knowledge, a CMA from a real estate agent is free and nearly as useful. Save the cost of an appraisal unless a lender or legal situation requires one.