I asked Gemini what my Parkton home was worth, and the answer looked impressive at first. But when I compared the public estimates from Redfin, Zillow, and Realtor.com, the valuation range was more than $80,000 apart.
As a Maryland Certified Residential Appraiser with 36 years of Baltimore-area experience, I could see the problem immediately: inconsistent property data, especially square footage. One source appeared to calculate the home using approximately 2,204 square feet, while other public records reflected approximately 3,107 square feet.
That 900+ square foot difference changes everything.
This article explains why AI tools can be useful research assistants, but not valuation professionals. AI can summarize public data, but it cannot verify condition, layout, finished basement utility, exterior improvements, pool condition, deck quality, or micro-market demand in places like Parkton and northern Baltimore County.
The lesson is simple: use AI for clues, but use expert judgment for decisions that matter.