The Zestimate Whiplash Many Homeowners Are Feeling
If you’ve looked up your home recently, chances are you’ve seen the number swing. A few months ago, Zestimates across Lago Vista, Cedar Park, and Round Rock were climbing—sometimes way above what similar homes were selling for. Now, many owners are scratching their heads as those numbers dip below actual neighborhood comps.
This “Zestimate whiplash” is frustrating. You know your home is unique. You see homes nearby selling for strong prices. Yet the number on Zillow tells a different story.
Why the Zestimate Changes So Much
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Algorithms chase activity: When your home hits the market, Zestimate often jumps to mirror the list price—even if that price isn’t accurate.
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Limited data points: Off-market homes can be off by 5–7% or more because Zillow doesn’t see what you’ve invested in updates, finishes, or even your lot’s unique view.
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Neighborhood trends vs. your property: The algorithm weighs averages, but homes aren’t average. A vaulted-beam living room or a custom outdoor kitchen doesn’t fit neatly into “comps.”
What This Means for You
Zestimates are a great starting point, but they’re not the finish line. Buyers don’t rely on a computer guess when they’re about to write the biggest check of their lives—they look at:
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Recent closed sales in your exact area
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Condition and upgrades inside your home
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Market demand and buyer competition in Lago Vista right now
That’s where professional guidance comes in.
My Role as Your Local Realtor
I love when clients send me their Zestimate—it starts a conversation. My job is to:
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Show you the real comps that buyers and appraisers actually use.
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Highlight upgrades and features the algorithm can’t value.
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Price strategically to position your home at the sweet spot: high enough to capture value, accurate enough to attract offers fast.
In other words: I take the “headline number” from Zillow and put it in context, so you can make smart decisions about your biggest asset.
Bottom Line
Your home isn’t just a data point—it’s part of a story that algorithms can’t capture. If your Zestimate feels off, you’re not alone. Many Lago Vista homeowners are seeing the same thing.
👉 Curious what buyers would actually pay for your home today?
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Or just call/text me directly at 512-940-4916—I’ll show you where your home truly stands.
