After all these years, Zillow still can’t get its property estimates right. Zillow is also a great reason why you’ve got to be careful calculating your net worth if you have property.
To prove my point regarding “Your Net Worth Is An Illusion” I took a look at Zillow’s latest zestimates of my primary residence and rental property. Apparently, in a span of 3 months, my primary residence gained a whopping $300,000!
I’m popping open a bottle of Crystal, buying a rose gold Patek Philippe Calatrava at Tiffany’s, and ordering the Audi R8 on as we speak. Just kidding, especially since September is frugality month. Besides, Zillow isn’t writing me a check for $300,000!
The dollar sign shows the purchase price after a 4 month escrow that began in late 2004. In other words, the purchase price was $250,000 below what the zestimate measured as fair value in the middle of winter.
You’d think that after 10+ years of existence, Zillow’s price algorithms would be more refined. Perhaps the data is legit, but I’m not buying it. Since net worth calculations don’t include one’s primary residence, let’s strike this example and look at a rental property.