John Billings's Q&A

Try going to "My Zillow" and then "Profile"... then make the changes in there.

Zillow uses a very broad and general annalysis for the basis of their "Zestimates".  Personally, my home "Zestimate" is about $80K less than its true value.  I am not worried about since I know that I could sell my personal residence for much higher than its "Zestimate".  Zillow doensn't know if you have a pool, built in BBQ, travertine floors, granite, updated appliances, etc.  That is why it isn't the best idea to solely base the value of your home from a website... we see this often in For Sale By Owners.  If you want the true estimated value of your home, many Realtors don't mind emailing comps.  Ask a Realtor in your area to give their opinion on the value of your home... a good Realtor won't mind.

Most buyers want current or up-to-date appliances and equipment in the home that they are considering for purchase.  Although this may not impact the actual overall value of your home, it could positively impact how long it takes for your home to sell (assuming this is why you are asking the question).  Plus, your home will appeal to a wider range of buyers... you could possibly be narrowing your range of buyers by not replacing it.  Also, keep in mind that there are a TON of homes on the market right now and that buyers have a good selection of homes on their radar.  If it came down to your home and another home, a buyer will probably look at the little things and your oil furnace could be a negative for that buyer.  Good luck!

There could be a lack of information of the area and a lack of homes that have sold in the area.  Thus, Zillow doesn't have enough information to make a Zestimate.  If you would like to know what your home could sell for let us know.  We have been very sucessful in assisting sellers and buyers through the short sale and foreclosure processes.  Let us know if there is anything we could help you with.John[Content removed by moderator due to self-promotion]

This is a very good reason why you should take Zillow "Zestimate" with a grain of salt.  Zillow doesn't know everything about your house, nor does it know everything about your neighbor's home.  Many "FSBOs" we meet with don't undertstand why their house hasn't sold.  They explain to us that they are using Zillow as a source of property estimation.  Zillow is great for many things, but you are correct... the Zestimates are not totally accurate.  They can over estimate or under estimate (so, you have the potential to sit on the market forever and a day or sell your home for less than it is worth... assuming you go by the Zestimate value)  Getting comps from an experienced Realtor in your area is honestly the best way to go.  They have the most accurate, up to date, and reliable information at their finger tips, not to mention the technology to properly advertise your home to the public.  If you would like a more accurate depiction of what your property could sell for, let us know.  We would be happy to send you comps for your neighborhod and area in general.John [Content removed by moderator due to self-promotion]

Zillow didn't really take it "off the market" per say.  When you list a home with Long Realty, the home automatically gets entered into Zillow's database once it goes into MLS.  BUT, it is only advertised on Zillow for (I believe... but don't quote me on it) 180 days.  After 180 days, the agent needs to log in to his/her account and "refresh" the listing.  The home went under contract on March 23, and you posted this on March 20... This makes me think that the home simply needed to be "refreshed" on Zillow by the agent.  Hope that helps!  Let us know if we can answer any further questions.  John [Content removed by moderator due to self-promotion]

Unfortunately there are no homes currently listed in MLS for sale on this street.  If this home is "For Sale by Owner" you will want representation and this could be the reason why we are unable to find any home on this street for sale.  To make an offer, you will want to find a Realtor.  Before you decide on who will help you formulate an appropriate offer, ask that Realtor how many homes they have sold in the area, how many years experience they have in the local market, and if they have BUYER references.  Check those references.  Once you decide who will assist you, the Realtor should run comps of the area and neighborhood.  This will give you an idea of what an appropriate offer might be.  Hope that helps!  You can email us directly if you have any further questions.  John [Content removed by moderator due to self-promotion]

Hello... this home is currently listed as "Active Capa" on TARMLS.  If you are the buyer or seller, your Realtor should have provided you with comps to make an informed offer or counter-offer.If you are neither, and just curious as to what is happening in the neighborhood and surrounding areas, then here is what we found...Widening the comp search to 1/2 mile (since we find most buyers and appraisers don't look at just a specific neighborhood for comps) I was able to pull 14 homes that are similar in square footage, year built (although, further down I do mention a new build), as well as # of bedrooms & bathrooms.  Looking at the bigger picture of what is being sold around you is always a good idea.  Although some of the homes are in Monterra Knolls (the subdivision the above home address is in) there are additional comps in Monterra Hills and Ridge.  The comps range in price from $185,000 (short sale, Monterra Ridge) to $296,500 (non short sale, Monterra Knolls).  Since you seem to be familiar with the area, I might also tell you that there is a new build home that sold for $240,444 that was a 3 bed, 2 bath with 1964 square feet over in Tangerine Terrace.Hopefully this info helps.  If you would like to actually see the comps that we pulled, let me know.  I have no problem emailing them directly to you.  We live and work in Oro Valley and are very knowledgeable about the local market.  John [Content removed by moderator due to self-promotion]

According to MLS this property isn't for sale.  Of course, the current owners could be attempting to sell the property on their own and without the use of a listing agent or MLS.As far as "How to make an offer"... again, that depends on if the owners are even interested in selling the home in the first place.  If you are interested in purchasing this home or another home, a buyers agent is advised for your protection.  If you have any further questions, feel free to contact us [Content removed by moderator due to self-promotion]

If you have a homeowners association they will be able to instruct you on your community by-laws or you could get a copy from a title company.