In today’s digital age, information on nearly everything is at our fingertips. Want the finest hotel in Singapore? Or the best local pizza restaurant? The Internet is your endless resource.

This extends to property prices. With a few clicks, you can get a price estimate from various websites for almost any property. Although these estimates typically come with disclaimers, an increasing number of potential home sellers are placing their trust in their accuracy. This prompts the question: How reliable are these estimates?

To answer this, you must understand how these estimates work. Essentially they rely on comparable sales of similar properties in proximity to the one being valued. Factors such as land size and the number of bedrooms and bathrooms are considered, alongside market growth since the property’s last sale.

In theory, the more data points these sites incorporate, the more accurate their estimates. They derive their figures from the ‘science’ of real estate.

However, this raises another question: Is this the property's true value?

For many, real estate is an emotional purchase. Whether it's a home or an investment property, emotions drive most transactions. When emotions take precedence, science takes a backseat.

The best real estate agents recognise that while the science of real estate plays a crucial role in pricing, it's the art of real estate that can maximize the sale price. The optimal price comes from a combination of both science and art.

Art is subjective. The right buyer may place more importance on the property's aesthetic appeal, the feeling of ‘home’ it evokes upon entry, and the appeal of the neighbourhood. When art influences decision-making, sellers can be confident in achieving a premium for their property.

When researching your property online, understand that while online estimates have merit, they only depict one facet of the picture. Seek out an agent who can paint the complete picture, the science and the art - thus maximizing your sales price.

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