Zillow Can’t Tell You This: What Online Estimates Miss About Real Savannah Real Estate Transactions
Why working with a local expert makes all the difference
If you've ever typed your address into Zillow or browsed homes based on those "Zestimates," you're not alone. In fact, many buyers and sellers start their real estate journey with a quick online search and some ballpark numbers.
But here's the thing: Zillow doesn't live in Savannah. I do.
And when it comes to understanding the true value of a home in a market like ours — full of charm, historic districts, coastal quirks, and one-of-a-kind neighborhoods — algorithms can only go so far.
Here’s what those online estimates often miss (and what you really need to know).
1. Savannah Is Full of Unique Micro-Neighborhoods — and They’re Not All Created Equal
From the moss-draped streets of Ardsley Park to the tucked-away coastal homes on Wilmington Island, no two areas in Savannah are quite the same. Zillow might lump together zip codes or average sales across large regions, but it doesn't know:
Which streets back up to busy roads (or quiet marsh views)
What areas are up-and-coming vs. overpriced
How flood zones affect property value and insurance rates
Where the school district lines really fall
A local agent understands the nuances of each neighborhood — not just the numbers.
2. Condition, Upgrades & Character Don’t Always Show Up in Data
Zillow might know a home has three bedrooms and 1,800 square feet — but it doesn’t know:
If the roof was replaced last year
If the HVAC system is original to the home
If the kitchen remodel was builder-grade or custom design
If the house has original hardwoods, custom millwork, or historic status
These things dramatically affect a home’s value, especially in a city where character counts.
3. Zestimates Can Be Weeks or Months Behind the Market
The real estate market moves fast — and in 2024, it’s been anything but predictable. Interest rates, inventory shifts, seasonal demand, and buyer behavior all change quickly.
Zillow estimates are based on past sales and broad averages. A local agent? We’re analyzing listings and sales daily — and we’re talking to other agents, walking through homes, and seeing trends in real time.
4. Zillow Can’t Tell You About Renovation Potential (or Pitfalls)
Thinking of buying a home to update or flip? Online listings might show you the basics, but they can’t tell you:
What local contractors charge
How long permits take in Savannah
Whether the layout is worth reconfiguring
How resale value is affected by certain upgrades in specific areas
If you're planning to invest in improvements, you need a guide who knows which upgrades make sense here — not just what looks good online.
5. Zillow Doesn’t Negotiate — But I Do
Even the most perfectly priced home doesn't always sell for asking price. An experienced agent can:
Help you understand local buyer psychology
Spot red flags that affect negotiation leverage
Guide you in crafting a strong (or strategic) offer
Recommend when it’s smart to ask for repairs, credits, or concessions
That’s value no algorithm can provide.
Final Thoughts: Use the Internet, But Don’t Rely on It Alone
Zillow and other home estimate tools can be a helpful starting point. But when it comes to actually buying, selling, or investing in Savannah real estate, you need local insight, not just online data.
Think of Zillow as your search buddy. Think of a trusted local agent as your strategy partner.
Ready to get the real story on your home’s value — or find the right home with the help of a human?
Contact me today for a no-pressure consultation or a custom market analysis:
CONTACT FORM
Email
maryschafferbeckmann@gmail.com
Phone
(912) 777.8657