Online valuation services are of two types: Comparative Market Analyses (CMA’s) done by computer and those done by agents. The computer generated ones are totally useless except to get a very general idea of what similar homes might sell for. This ad, on the other hand, touts the benefits of a CMA researched and prepared by an agent (hoping to get your listing because they're working for FREE). What this company is implying, of course, is that by going through them, you're not getting a "pushy salesperson," but rather a "trained professional".

But here are the facts: what you're really getting by going through this online service is an agent (or agents) who are willing to pay this outfit for leads (that's YOU when you fill out their online form). The company sets themselves up as the middle man, making their money off agents, while providing zero added value to you, the consumer.