We decided to write this post because we keep hearing the same questions from sellers wondering why their home’s value looks so low and from buyers trying to make sense of online comps: “Why does this online estimate say my house is worth so much less?”; “Why are these numbers different from what you're telling me?”
It usually starts with someone checking a real estate platform and seeing a price that doesn’t line up with what’s actually happening in the market. The difference is often significant.
That’s because online tools rely on limited data, and they can’t always account for what makes a home special. In markets like Bellport Village, Brookhaven Hamlet, and nearby areas, where off market activity, unique properties, and high end finishes are common, that gap can be huge.
Here are 3 things both buyers and sellers should know when looking at online real estate platforms, and why working with someone local still matters.
1. Why “Contact an Agent” Doesn’t Always Mean the Listing Agent
On many platforms, the “Contact” button doesn’t connect you with the person who listed the home. It usually connects you to a buyer’s agent who paid for placement. That agent may be helpful, but they might not know the property or even the area.
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The listing agent knows the history, seller goals, and offer activity
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A third party may not have the latest or most accurate information
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This can cause confusion or delays, especially when time is critical
Tip: To find the real listing agent, scroll just past the property description. Look for a section labeled “Listing by”, where the listing brokerage and agent’s name is shown. That’s the true source of accurate, direct information about the home.
2. Online Estimates Are a Starting Point, Not the Full Picture
Most online estimates come from automated valuation models (AVMs). These rely on public data like square footage, tax records, and recent area sales. That gives you a general idea, but not the full story.
They often miss:
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Renovations and upgrades
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Interior layout or design quality
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Lot location, views, or landscaping
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Local market trends and off market activity
We’ve seen this firsthand. Our exclusive listing at 5 Hulse Street in Bellport Village was recently estimated by a platform at $1.76 million, less than half of its actual market position. We listed the property at $3.85 million, and it’s now sold.
The platform’s estimate didn’t account for the home’s location and quality of its recent renovation, things a local expert can immediately recognize. That kind of pricing gap isn’t rare, especially in a market like Bellport, where many homes are distinct and data can’t tell the full story. This is exactly why we always recommend using online tools as a starting point, not a final verdict.
3. Not All Sales Are Public and That Changes the Math
In the Bellport area, many homes are sold off market and never appear on public platforms. These private sales often include major transactions that don’t show up in the data used to generate online estimates, but they absolutely influence local values.
At Old Purchase Properties, we handle many of these sales. Because we’re involved directly, we have access to pricing and demand insights that most platforms simply can’t provide.
These off market deals can make a big difference, especially if you're trying to understand where your property stands or how to approach an offer. We know the sales others don’t see, and that context matters.
Final Thought
Online platforms are helpful, but they’re just one piece of the puzzle. For buyers and sellers who want clarity and confidence, local expertise still matters.
Have questions about your home’s value or what’s happening behind the scenes in this market?
Let’s talk. No pressure, just real information and honest guidance.
