Posted on July 22, 2025 Written by Reilly Dzurick
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If you’ve ever typed your address into Zillow or Redfin, you’ve probably seen a number pop up that’s supposed to tell you what your home is worth. It feels helpful, until you check the other site and get a totally different number. Which one should you believe?
That’s the problem. These online estimates often miss the mark, and for sellers, that can lead to pricing mistakes and stress. In this article, we’re breaking down what goes into each estimate, how accurate they really are, and what you should trust when it’s time to sell.
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Redfin vs Zillow EstimatesWhat Are Zillow and Redfin?Redfin and Zillow’s EstimatorsComparative Market Analysis vs. Online EstimatorsAccuracy Breakdown: Median Error Rates & Local Market FactorsZillow vs. Redfin: Side-by-Side Feature ComparisonReilly’s Two CentsComparing EstimatesFrequently Asked Questions What Are Zillow and Redfin?Zillow and Redfin are two of the biggest names in real estate tech. They help people search for homes, track prices, and get a feel for what’s happening in the market, all from their phones or laptops.
Zillow is like the Google of home listings. It covers nearly every home in the U.S., whether it’s for sale or not. You can look up your house, your neighbor’s house, or anything in between. It also lets owners list their homes themselves (FSBO), which draws in lots of traffic from curious buyers and sellers.
Redfin, on the other hand, is a full-on real estate brokerage. That means it has licensed agents and can help you buy or sell directly through the platform. It’s known for being tech-svy and offering built-in sings on commission fees for sellers.
Both platforms offer pricing estimates for nearly every home in their database. But even though they do similar things, they pull from different data sources and he different goals, which is why their estimates don’t always match up.
Redfin and Zillow’s EstimatorsBoth Zillow and Redfin offer their own price estimate tools, Zillow calls theirs the Zestimate, and Redfin simply calls theirs the Redfin Estimate. These tools give you a ballpark number of what your home might be worth, based on the info they’ve gathered about it.
So, how do they work?
Zillow’s Zestimate pulls from public records, user-submitted updates, and recent sales nearby. It also includes homes that aren’t on the market, which can sometimes throw off the numbers, especially if your home has upgrades Zillow doesn’t know about.
Redfin’s Estimate relies heily on MLS data, the stuff real estate agents use, and it updates daily. That gives it an edge in active markets, especially where homes are selling quickly. But if your home isn’t listed or the data is old, it can miss important details too.
In short, both are useful tools for getting a general idea, but they’re not replacements for a real pricing strategy. They give you the “online home value,” not necessarily what a buyer would actually pay.
Comparative Market Analysis vs. Online EstimatorsOnline estimators are fast, but a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) digs deeper. A CMA is what a real estate professional puts together using hand-picked data from similar homes that recently sold, called comps. It’s tailored to your home, your upgrades, your street, and even your school district.
While Zillow and Redfin rely on formulas and sometimes outdated info, a CMA adds local insight that tech can’t fully capture. Things like a renovated kitchen, corner lot, or nearby construction might not show up in automated tools, but they matter to buyers.
A real estate agent can walk through your home, ask questions, and adjust the price range based on what’s really going on in your neighborhood. That’s something no website can do just yet.
If you’re serious about selling, think of a CMA as your home’s reality check. It’s more work, but way more accurate.
While comparing Zillow’s Zestimate with Redfin’s estimate is useful, you may also be interested in our deep dive on the Zillow Offers Zestimate to see how Zillow applies that value to its own iBuyer program.
Accuracy Breakdown: Median Error Rates & Local Market FactorsZillow and Redfin both say their estimates are accurate, but even they admit they can be off by thousands. The best way to look at this is through median error rates, a stat that shows how far off their guesses usually are.
Zillow’s nationwide median error rate is about 2.4 % for homes on the market, and closer to 7.5 % for off-market homes. Redfin says their estimates are within 2.1 % for listed homes. So they’re close, but that gap gets bigger when homes aren’t actively for sale.
Local markets can make a big difference too. In hot areas, where homes are flying off the market, both sites may struggle to keep up with changes. In slower spots, the data can be stale. Renovations or custom features? These tools usually miss them.
That’s why two homes on the same street can get wildly different online estimates, even if they’re almost identical.
Zillow vs. Redfin: Side-by-Side Feature ComparisonIf you’re deciding between Zillow and Redfin for checking your home value, it helps to look at how they stack up on key features, not just the final number.
FeatureZillowRedfinEstimator NameZestimateRedfin EstimateData SourcePublic records, MLS, user updatesMLS listings, public recordsUpdate FrequencySeveral times a weekDailyOff-Market EstimatesYesLimitedAllows FSBO ListingsYesNoLicensed AgentsNoYes (Redfin is a brokerage)Home Search ToolsBroad and user-friendlyStreamlined with agent supportZillow covers more homes, including ones not for sale, which can skew accuracy. Redfin is more tied to current listings and agent-fed data, which can make it feel more dialed-in, especially if you’re in a competitive market.
Beyond valuation tools, Zillow is also expanding its iBuyer footprint, for example the Zillow Offers Jacksonville launch demonstrates how pricing and buying are converging.
So, while both can give you a quick read, their features and goals are a bit different. Think of Zillow as the big-picture tool and Redfin as the more real-time, agent-backed option.
Reilly’s Two CentsI’ve worked with plenty of home sellers who felt completely lost after seeing one price on Zillow and a totally different one on Redfin. It’s confusing, and honestly, kind of stressful. You want to believe one of them is right, but the truth is, they’re both just educated guesses.
Here’s what I tell folks: use these tools to get a ballpark, not a bullseye. They’re helpful for spotting general trends, but not for making big pricing decisions. That’s especially true if your home has upgrades that aren’t easy to see from public records, things like a new roof, a remodeled kitchen, or even just better curb appeal.
My advice? Always cross-check your estimate with a comparative market analysis from a local agent or get a verified offer from a buyer who actually knows your area. And if your Zestimate or Redfin Estimate feels way off, you’re not alone. A quick look at the comps or talking to a real person can make a huge difference.
Comparing EstimatesIf comparing estimates has your head spinning, you’re not alone. The back-and-forth between Zillow and Redfin can make it feel like pricing your home is a guessing game, and that’s not what you want when thousands of dollars are on the line.
That’s where iBuyer.com comes in. Instead of relying on automated formulas, we look at real-time market data and give you a fair, cash offer backed by facts, not fluff. No listings, no showings, and no waiting for buyers to fall in love with your kitchen backsplash.
To see how Zillow’s valuation model plays into its broader business expansion, check out our case study on Redfin Now expanding to Boston.
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Frequently Asked Questions How accurate is Redfin’s estimate vs Zillow’s?Redfin’s estimate usually pulls from MLS data and updates daily, which can make it more current. Zillow’s Zestimate includes off-market homes and updates several times a week. Both can be off, especially for homes with recent upgrades.
Why is my Redfin estimate different from my Zestimate?Each tool uses different data and methods. Redfin relies more on active listings, while Zillow casts a wider net. That often leads to noticeable differences in your home’s value between the two.
Can I change or update my Zestimate?Yes. You can claim your home on Zillow and edit features like square footage, bedrooms, or recent improvements. These updates can improve the accuracy, but they don’t guarantee a big shift.
What’s more accurate, Zillow, Redfin, or a CMA?A Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) from a real estate agent is usually more accurate because it factors in local market trends and home conditions that automated tools can’t see.
Do online estimates affect refinancing or getting a mortgage?No. Lenders use appraisals done by licensed professionals, not Zestimates or Redfin Estimates. These online tools are just for reference.
Reilly DzurickReilly Dzurick is a seasoned real estate agent at Get Land Florida, bringing over six years of industry experience to the vibrant Vero Beach market. She is known for her deep understanding of local real estate trends and her dedication to helping clients find their dream properties. Reilly’s journey in real estate is complemented by her academic background in Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication from the University of North Florida. This unique combination of skills has enabled her to seamlessly blend traditional real estate practices with cutting-edge marketing strategies, ensuring her clients’ properties gain maximum visibility and sell quickly.
Reilly’s career began with a strong foundation in social media marketing and brand communications. These skills he proven invaluable in her real estate practice, allowing her to offer innovative marketing solutions that set her apart in the industry. Her exceptional ability to understand and meet clients’ needs has earned her a reputation for providing a smooth and satisfying transaction process. Reilly’s commitment to client satisfaction and her innovative approach he garnered her a loyal client base and numerous referrals, underscoring her success and dedication in the field.
Beyond her professional achievements, Reilly is passionate about the Vero Beach community. She enjoys helping newcomers discover the charm of this beautiful area and find their perfect home.
Outside of work, she loves exploring Florida’s stunning landscapes and spending quality time with her family. Reilly Dzurick’s combination of expertise, marketing svy, and personal touch makes her a standout real estate agent in Vero Beach, Florida.
Posted in Home Value