How Location Scores Are Calculated

Why location matters so much

Location is the one thing about a home you can never change, which is why it carries 20% of the composite score — tied for second among the seven categories. Two identical homes can be worlds apart in desirability based purely on where they sit.

The location score is designed to capture that placement: the appeal and convenience of the neighborhood and surrounding area, scored on the same 0–100 scale as every other category.

What the location score reflects

Location is evaluated at the area level rather than the individual home, so nearby homes in the same neighborhood share a similar location footing. That's intentional: the value of being in a given neighborhood applies to every home in it. The home-specific factors — size, condition, value — are captured by the other categories.

Because it's area-based, the location score is a useful lens for comparing neighborhoods, not just individual listings. Neighborhood and city rankings let you see how areas stack up.

Reading location alongside the other scores

A high location score paired with a modest value score often signals a desirable area where you pay a premium. The reverse — strong value in a lower-scoring location — can be the right trade for a buyer who prioritizes the home over the surroundings. The composite balances these so you can see the whole picture, then drill into the categories that matter most to you.

Frequently asked questions