HomeGain launches 'what if' valuations
Real estate tech brief
By Inman News, Wednesday, December 17, 2008.HomeGain, an online real estate marketing company, today announced the launch of a home valuation tool that offers estimates on how a range of home improvement projects might impact the value of their home.
This "what if" feature of its home values tool, accessible at the site's "Get Home Values" section, adjusts its home-value estimate based on hypothetical room additions and other added square footage, as examples.
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Submitted by Matt Drouin on December 18, 2008 - 12:30pm.
Technology and the web are great tools for the modern home buyer. However, I see more and more buyers and sellers getting their "objective" information from sites such as Zillow and Trulia.
Let me say that home valuation is not a science that can be broken down by simple statistics and formulas. There are certain intangibles that go along with a property that cannot be understood by software apps.
Rely on your local real estate professional for advice on home improvements and valuation. Any successful realtor knows that you have to be seen as the "go-to" person for anything real estate related. Why are home buyers relying on such static garbage information like the stuff garnered from these websites? Are we not doing our jobs correctly as members of the real estate community? We should clearly be communicating the fact that whether you are moving or not, you can rely on us for ALL of your real estate needs or questions.
We are available to help.
Matt Drouin
Associate Broker
Nothnagle Realtors
Rochester, NY
http://www.nyhomesgetsold.com
Submitted by Allan Barn on December 19, 2008 - 7:08am.
I agree with Matt. Sites providing estimations and statistics should make it very clear that they are being provided for entertainment purposes only and should no be relied upon. A real estate professional will always have more information than a site such as HomeGain and therefore by consulting a real estate professional one will always obtain better advice.
Kingston Apartments
Submitted by Jodi Summers on December 19, 2008 - 5:39pm.
Love it. What an excellent way to put the national cost vs. value survey to use.
Best,
Jodi Summers
The SoCal Investment Real Estate Group
Sotheby’s International Realty, Santa Monica
jodi@jodisummers.com
www.SantaMonicaLandmarks.com
www.107and117WChannelRd.jodisummers.com
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Submitted by Matt Drouin on December 30, 2008 - 6:46pm.
Just a follow up to the other comments.
Allan makes a good point. These websites are for entertainment, or rather infotainment. Ever watch Law and Order? Ever assume that the show represents what actually happens in our court system? I have to admit, sometimes I make that mistake.
I have published an article related to this issue at:
http://www.nyhomesgetsold.com/articles/the_pitfalls_of_zillow_com-12/
Matt Drouin
Associate Broker
Nothnagle Realtors
http://www.nyhomesgetsold.com