How it works
One number that tells you where to look first.
Every listing that enters our markets is evaluated through the Goldilocks model — the same composite used on Intelligence, Deal of the Day, and Deal of the Week. Seven factors are each scored 0–100, weighted, and summed into a single composite out of 100.
The model is calibrated separately for each city, so an 82 in Norwalk reflects the same relative strength as an 82 in Westport — even though the absolute prices are very different. Scores are relative to active inventory, not absolute thresholds.
We built this because the hardest part of finding a good deal isn’t access to listings — it’s knowing which ones are actually worth your time. The score is designed to do that filtering for you, surfacing the properties worth a second look and letting the rest fade into the background.
0–100
Score range
6
Weighted factors
7 towns
Independently calibrated
Every sync
Refreshed automatically
Score tiers
Top pick
Exceptional composite — strong across age, value, layout, and schools. Act fast.
Strong
Above-market fundamentals. Worth a close look and offer consideration.
Watch
In the market but not standing out. Monitor for price or status changes.
The six factors
Age
8%Rates how new the home is based on year built — newer construction scores higher regardless of finishes.
Condition
18%How move-in ready the home sounds — fresh new construction (built within ~12 months, never occupied/resold) defaults to 100 unless remarks mention dated finishes or distress; otherwise renovation language in the remarks helps and tired-finish language pulls the score down.
Finishes
22%Quality of materials and how well the listing shows them — granite, hardwood, and similar details in the remarks, plus whether photos actually show updates and layout clearly.
PPSF fit
22%Measures whether price-per-sqft sits in the Goldilocks zone versus the city median — not too cheap, not overpriced.
Layout
10%Bed/bath fit, square footage per bedroom, and layout keywords like open floor plan or master suite.
Schools
10%Elementary, middle, and high school ratings for the listing, with a town baseline when school names are missing.
DOM
10%Days on market — homes in the mid-range sweet spot score highest; brand-new listings and very long DOM score lower. Bands are editable in Admin → Goldilocks.
What the score is not
Not investment advice
A high score means the listing stands out against its peers today. It doesn't guarantee appreciation, rental income, or a successful flip.
Not an AVM
We are not estimating market value. The score measures deal quality relative to the current active inventory, not an absolute price opinion.
Not static
Scores refresh with every data sync. A listing that scores 65 today may score 78 tomorrow if a price cut improves its PPSF fit.
Not the whole picture
Condition, neighborhood micro-factors, seller motivation, and your specific buy box all matter. Use the score to filter, not to decide.
Goldilocks composite · Weights from Admin → Goldilocks · Relative to current active listings in each city · TMRE proprietary model