Realtor Candis Carmichael

Your Trusted, Dedicated Real Estate Expert

Q&A – Zillow Values vs. Sale Price

Zillow Values vs. Sale Price is a frequent question in the real estate industry. More often than not, buyers and sellers alike refer to this heavily advertised, widely popular resource. Buyers look to see if the home they want is worth what’s being asked and sellers look to it determine what they could potentially get out of their home if they decide to sell (and perhaps upgrade). It’s so common, that a “Zestimate” is a commonly recognized term. It leaves us real estate professionals wishing we were too (can you imagine getting your own Candis-stamate? LOL!).

I feel like these computer-generated, automated valuation models (AVMs) like Zillow are a good jumping off point for evaluating price. By their own disclaimers, “the Zestimate is a starting point and does not consider all the market intricacies that can determine the actual price a house will sell for.” They go on to show that the estimate can vary from the sale price as much as 20%! That’s at least within the ballpark, so consider it a start. …but +/- 20% in dollars and cents can translate to tens of thousands of dollars left on the table as a seller if you undervalue your home. Or it could equate to losing your shirt as a buyer because you paid 20% more than the home is worth (putting you on the very high end of the appraised value).

Many use the automated estimates of various sites to establish the value of their homes and list them for sale by owner using these estimates. Unfortunately, this often leads to selling too low (or too high). As a matter of fact, according to the National Association of Realtor®’s 2018 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers (it’s an annual report of all sorts of national statistics you can check out here), “FSBOs typically sell for less than the selling price of other homes; FSBO homes sold at a median of $200,000 in 2018, and significantly lower than the median of agent-assisted home sales prices of $264,900.

Adjusting for the Zillow Values vs. Sale Price

Zillow value vs. sale price - keys black and white shot - coffee with candis carmichaelSo these estimates are definitely not the end-all be-all of establishing what a home is worth (priceless, I know, but you’ve gotta be able to pay something, right?). This is where we real estate professionals come in. We add layers to the story to provide the most accurate picture of a home’s value. Since “the machines” haven’t actually seen your house (inside or out), and they don’t know the neighborhood and market nuances, how could they give you an accurate estimate?

A good real estate agent will not only look at historical records for what recently sold in your area, they’ll go a step farther to look at what your current sales climate looks like to ensure your price is competitive. They’ll know what else is currently active for sale and how quickly similar homes are selling and above all.

Obviously, you want to get as much as you can for your home when you sell (and you don’t want to overpay when you buy). As a real estate professional, I pride myself on looking beyond the basic number crunching and models to determine a true value for your home (or the home you’re purchasing).

Let’s get started on your next chapter today. There’s no obligation to you and this can provide you with a little piece of mind.

Call me at 727.888.3292 or drop me a note at RealtorCandis@gmail.com so we can get you on the schedule.


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Client Testimonials

Jeff & Susie B.
Jeff & Susie B.
Clearwater, FL
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Candis is a real go-getter! She stayed on top of the listing and sale of our home. She was very quick to respond to questions and had up-to-date info on any details we had our attention on. We don't know how she could have done her job any better! She was really good when it came to negotiations and closing our sale. She did what it took to get our sale completed. You will be pleased with her personality and performance handling your transaction.
Jason P.
Jason P.
St. Pete, FL
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Candis was honestly a great Realtor! We were moving from out of state, and she gave us virtual tours of each property. She paid attention to details like the smell of each home. She was always punctual and even sent us helpful reminders to guide us through the move-in process. It would have been impossible for us to make the move without her help!
Bonnie B.
Bonnie B.
Port Richey & Pinellas Park, FL
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Candis went beyond my expectations. She was cheerful and found a place for me to move to within my tight budget in less than a month. She really cares about her clients - she even helped me find a place overnight to stay and provided transportation as I don't drive. I was so grateful to have Candis as my Realtor.
Ryan L.
Ryan L.
St. Pete, FL
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Candis worked so hard for us. She was always on time, prepared, and knowledgeable. She was also kind and patient with her reminders and support. I can't recommend her highly enough! I had an ideal experience!
Tiffanie R.
Tiffanie R.
Largo, FL
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Candis is a highly experienced and knowledgeable realtor. She prides herself on knowing the market, neighborhoods, and the larger view of real estate trends across the country. Her insights, professionalism, and excellent communication skills translate to an interaction that is easy, streamlined, efficient, and effective. I recommend Candis 100%!
Michelle F.
Michelle F.
Largo, FL
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Absolutely amazing. Was very helpful and willing to answer all my questions to the best of her knowledge. Came back to me with more information if she didn’t have the best answers available.
Janet D.
Janet D.
Largo, FL
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Candis was very hands on and always available. She got our home sold and was a huge help in my relocation. We had lived in the same house for 29 years and were unsure how to proceed in our sale. Candis knew what she was doing and steered us in the right direction. She was always thorough in explaining each and every step.
W. Pope
W. Pope
Clearwater, FL
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My buying experience started rough with an agent who did nothing for me. Then I found Candis. I could tell the difference! She immediately began working hard for me. She is a very educated, helpful Realtor who was always a step ahead! She has a great personality and I recommend her to everyone! Even in a tough market, she made my dream of buying my first home a reality and we closed within 30 days!
Joe C.
Joe C.
St. Petersburg, FL
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Thanks to Candis for helping me find a place to call home. In what can be a very stressful experience, Candis always kept things positive and stayed on track towards accomplishing the goal. I highly recommend her for anyone trying to find the right property. I appreciated all of her market insight and creative ideas for making this property more of a home!
Ashleigh & James
Ashleigh & James
Largo, FL
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Candis helped my boyfriend and I purchase our first home. She made the process so efficient and easy that we never stressed about a thing! She is extremely knowledgeable and was always available to answer my questions. She is very responsive and willing to assist whenever needed. The entire process from Pre-approval to Closing was seamless and I wouldn’t want to go through it with any other REALTOR!
Tasha Z.
Tasha Z.
Largo, FL
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Candis went above and beyond to help me secure my new home purchase. There were many hiccups we encountered (at no fault of Candis). She worked hard to be an advocate for me through the entire process, even after closing. 10/10 would highly recommend. Working with Candis was like house shopping with a good friend!
Kim C.
Kim C.
Holiday, FL
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It was great working with Candis. She really cares about her clients and what they want in a home. Her professionalism is top notch.
Tina P.
Tina P.
Clearwater, FL
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Candis has a very happy personality that is so refreshing! If we had questions, she was there to answer. And she worked well with our loan team! In this extremely difficult housing market, Candis kept us positive and patient and we finally got an offer accepted on our first home! If you are looking for a realtor, Candis is the perfect one!
T. Reynolds
T. Reynolds
Largo, FL
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Candis will exceed your expectations. She is personally committed to helping people with extreme professionalism. This combination results in a realtor who anticipates your needs and provides solutions, goes 'above and beyond' normal communication, and executes on your behalf with diligence, care, and expediency. I couldn't recommend her more!
Charlotte B.
Charlotte B.
Largo, FL
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We were moving from CA to FL and Candis made house search over the next year so easy. All we had to do was tell her what we were looking for and she did all the work! She made us feel like family and went above and beyond to help find our perfect house. Candis truly is an upbeat agent who listened to our needs and wants while her fun and positive attitude made her a joy to work with. And her honesty is refreshing.
Paul & Barb L.
Paul & Barb L.
Largo, FL
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We connected with Candis when we visited open house. It was our lucky break! She never made us a feel like just a commission, nor was she impatient as we dragged out the process. She took the time to understand our wants and provided insight, opinion and reassurance throughout the process. Her experience and knowledge were very helpful and she was patient with our many changes in direction. She exceeded our expectations!
Vicki & Daryl H.
Vicki & Daryl H.
Harbor Bluffs, FL
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Candis Carmichael is a fantastic realtor. Her positive outlook paired with her professionalism is a great combination! She is smart, experienced and knowledgeable. She was in constant contact with us and always returned emails, text messages or phone calls in a prompt manner. My husband and I would recommend Candis whether you are buying or selling your home.
Ron & Charlotte VB
Ron & Charlotte VB
Largo, FL
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REALTOR Candis is a true professional Realtor. She listens to your wants and needs, then goes out to find what you asked for. She has local knowledge of all areas (which helped with our relocation from out of State). Candis responds to all phone call and text messages within a short amount of time.
Melody H.
Melody H.
Pinellas Park, FL
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REALTOR Candis is a consummate professional who guides you every step of the way and beyond the sale. She is detailed, personable and always your champion. I can't say enough about REALTOR Candis and would whole-heartedly recommend her to anyone seeking to sell or buy a home.
Kim & Ray L.
Kim & Ray L.
Largo, FL
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She is a great realtor! She listens and truly wants to help people find their forever homes. She's smart and a go-getter and we greatly appreciate everything she did to help us quickly find and buy our new home. She thoroughly explained everything during the process, answered our questions and gave great suggestions. If you want someone who cares and will truly work for you, Candis is who you need! She really is awesome!
Theresa & Sean O.
Theresa & Sean O.
Pinellas Park, FL
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Candis was a such joy to work with! She found us our perfect vacation home and worked hard to get everything finalized. Thank you for your dedication and constant updates during this long distance purchase.
Jane & Dave H.
Jane & Dave H.
St. Petersburg, FL
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We appreciate that REALTOR Candis was genuinely concerned with helping us find a home. We had been blown off by other agents, owners and managers who who kept stringing us along only to tell us they sold or rented out the house. Thank you!
Daryl H.
Daryl H.
Spring Hill, FL
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Candis was recommended and after meeting with her, we were quickly impressed with her professional manner and knowledge of the areas where we were looking to buy.
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