Zestimate now leverages AI models trained on millions of photos from sellers, listing agent, and homeowners. It’s tuned such that highly desirable and in-demand features, like new granite countertops and remodeled bathrooms, have a greater pull on a homes’ estimated market value. Even natural light and curb appeal make a difference, according to Zillow, as do touches like high-end finishes, fireplaces, remodeled kitchens, updated fixtures, and well-manicured lawns.
Zillow says that over the roughly 100 million property values it’s caluclated for homes nationwide, the error rate is now less than 2%, meaning that half of all estimates fall within 2% of the home’s eventual sale price. That’s down from 4% in April.