Zillow vs. Redfin: Why Their Home Value Estimates Are Wrong (and What Your San Jose Home Is Really Worth)

🏡 Confused About Your Home’s Value? You’re Not Alone

If Zillow says your home is worth $2.3 million and Redfin says $2.6 million, which one should you believe?

Hi, I’m Zaid Hanna, founder of The Hanna Group at Real Estate 38, and in today’s market update, I want to uncover why these online estimates are often hundreds of thousands of dollars apart—and what that means for you as a homeowner in San Jose, Almaden Valley, Cambrian, and beyond.

📊 The Reality Behind the Numbers

Right now, inventory is dropping across San Jose. We peaked around 1,200 active listings earlier this year, but we’re currently down to 944—and I expect it to keep falling through the holidays.

Pending sales are holding steady at around 450, showing consistent buyer demand even as inventory tightens.

So, with steady pendings and shrinking supply, home values should be stabilizing… right? Not exactly.

When I looked at one home in Almaden Valley, Zillow priced it at $2.3 million, while Redfin estimated $2.6 million—a $300,000 gap for the same property. Another home in Cambrian Park showed a $200,000 difference between the two sites.

🤖 Why Zillow and Redfin Are Getting It Wrong

Automated online valuations rely on algorithms, not real market context. These platforms use data like square footage, recent neighborhood sales, and tax records—but they can’t account for what truly impacts a home’s value in Silicon Valley’s complex micro-markets.

Here’s what they miss:

✅ School districts: In Almaden alone, there are five elementary schools, and each boundary can shift value by tens of thousands of dollars.
✅ Location factors: Homes backing up to busy streets often sell for less than similar homes on quiet cul-de-sacs.
✅ Upgrades & condition: An updated kitchen, new roof, or remodeled bathroom can add far more value than an algorithm predicts.
✅ Market timing: The difference of just a few weeks in listing strategy can mean the difference between multiple offers or sitting on the market.

That’s why your home’s true value isn’t something a computer can guess—it requires local expertise, current data, and boots-on-the-ground insight.

💡 What Your Home Is Really Worth in San Jose

Every neighborhood in San Jose behaves differently. Almaden Valley, Cambrian, Blossom Valley, Willow Glen, and Santa Teresa all have their own trends, buyer profiles, and demand levels.

The good news? As inventory declines toward the end of the year, sellers have a chance to capture stronger prices—especially if their homes are move-in ready or located near top-rated schools.

If you’re planning to sell in 2026, now is the time to:

1. Get a professional home valuation that reflects your upgrades and neighborhood demand.

2. Plan your listing timeline around next year’s spring surge.

3. Leverage accurate data from an expert who studies the market daily.

🔍 Why a Local Expert Beats Any Algorithm

Zillow and Redfin are tools—but they can’t walk through your home, feel the space, or know what your street sells for.

At Real Estate 38, our team specializes in data-driven home valuations and strategic marketing plans designed to sell for top dollar. We analyze:

• School boundary trends

• Inventory velocity (how fast homes sell)

• Price per square foot shifts by micro-neighborhood

• Buyer demand indicators

• Interest-rate impact on affordability

This is what gives our clients clarity and confidence when Zillow and Redfin can’t agree.

📞 Let’s Find Out What Your Home Is Worth

If you’re thinking about selling your home in San Jose, Almaden Valley, Cambrian, or any nearby area, don’t rely on online estimates.

Let’s get you an accurate, data-backed home valuation based on real local insight.

📱 Call or text me directly at (408) 515-1613

Because if Zillow and Redfin are confused… you shouldn’t be.

🔑 Key Takeaways

• Zillow and Redfin can differ by $200K – $300K for the same home.

• Online estimates miss critical factors like schools, upgrades, and street location.

• San Jose inventory is down from 1,200 to 944, keeping demand steady.

• Real, local data gives you clarity when algorithms can’t.

Real Estate 38 | The Hanna Group
1213 Lincoln Ave UNIT 205, San Jose, CA 95125
(408) 515-1613 | www.re38.com