Zillow vs Realtor - Which One Should You Trust When Selling Your Home?

When it comes to selling their homes, today there are more options than before. Until some time ago, the owners of the house used to have the same way: appointing a real estate agent, getting their listing on the multiple listing service (MLS), and expecting a buyer. Now, platforms like Zillow and Realtor.com are dominated by online real estate, so many vendors themselves are ready to adopt the way to sell the house.

Big Question: Is it better to sell your own house in the district, or should you live with a real estate agent?

For help, let's look at the most common questions asked by the owners of the house. We will explain this through conversation, include references to real life, and compare in detail the Zillow vs. Realtor.

Can I Sell My House on Zillow Without a Realtor?

Yes, you can. Zillow provides a "For Sale by Owner" (FSBO) facility from which you can directly list your assets. You can take photos, write details, fix the price and manage inquiries.

Pros of selling without a realtor on Zillow:

Save thousands in commission. At $ 600,000 home you can avoid more than $ 30,000 fee.
You’re in control. From the listing value to the performance program, everything is in your hands.
It’s free to post. The Zillow does not charge any fee for listing from landlords.

Cons:

Limited exposure. The FSBO listing does not always get the same visibility as homes listed by the agent.
No expert guidance. You will handle pricing, interaction and contracts alone.
Buyers may hesitate. Many buyers prefer MLS-listed homes supported by real estate agents.

👉 If the speed is your priority, then see our guide on how to sell your house rapidly in California.

Does It Cost to Put Your House for Sale on Zillow?

No, it does not cost any expenses. The zillow allows homeowners to list their property for free. But many sellers do not know:

No, it does not cost any expenses. The zillow allows homeowners to list their property for free. But many sellers do not know:.
If you want professional level marketing, staging or photography, you have to invest separately.

So technically, yes - this is free. But to truly compete with homes listed by real estate agents, many FSBO vendors eventually spend money elsewhere.

Is It Better to Post Your House With Zillow or a Realtor?

Here’s where things get interesting.

Selling on Zillow FSBO:

No commissions — you keep more of the sale price.
Quick and easy listing setup.
Limited reach — not all buyers search FSBO.
Negotiations are tough — buyers may lowball since they know you’re not an expert.

Selling With a Realtor:

MLS exposure. Your home appears on every major site, including Zillow, Realtor.com, Redfin, and hundreds more.
Marketing included. Professional photos, open houses, and targeted campaigns.
Negotiation support. Realtors know how to counter, avoid bad contracts, and push for top dollar.
Commission costs. Typically 5–6%.

👉 For timing insights, check out Best Time to Sell a House in San Diego.

Who Is More Accurate: Zillow or Realtor.com?

Accuracy is one of the biggest differences between these two platforms.

Zillow: Famous for its Zestimate tool. While convenient, Zestimates can be off by 5–10% (or more). Zillow uses public records and algorithms, but it doesn’t account for upgrades, renovations, or neighborhood nuances.
Realtor.com: Pulls data directly from the MLS, which makes it more up-to-date and accurate.

Example: If your neighbor remodeled their kitchen last year, Zillow might not factor that into their Zestimate, but Realtor.com would show the actual MLS listing price.

👉 Looking for alternative options? See our list of Companies That Buy Houses for Cash in San Diego.

Is Zillow a Better App Than Realtor?

Both apps are powerful, but they shine in different ways:

Zillow App:

User-friendly.
Perfect for casual browsing.
Great for homeowners testing FSBO.

Realtor App:

Data-rich, since it pulls from MLS.
More reliable for serious buyers and sellers.
Better at tracking price history.

Most people end up using both—Zillow for casual scrolling, Realtor when it’s time to get serious.

What’s the Quickest Time to Sell a House?

If you’re hoping for a fast sale, Zillow FSBO may not be your best option. Homes listed by realtors, especially in competitive markets like California, typically sell faster because of higher exposure.

On average:

FSBO homes take 19–25% longer to sell.
Realtor-listed homes often sell within 30–60 days, depending on pricing and market conditions.

Quick Q&A

💬 Q: If I sell on Zillow FSBO, will I get as many buyers?

A: Not usually. FSBO listings get less traction than MLS homes. Still, if your pricing is sharp and photos are professional, you can attract solid leads.

💬 Q: Can I really save $30,000 by not using a realtor?

A: Yes, but here’s the catch: homes sold with agents typically sell for more. That extra 5–10% can outweigh commission savings.

💬 Q: Which one do buyers trust more, Zillow or Realtor?

A: Buyers trust MLS-backed listings more, which is why Realtor.com is seen as more reliable.

💬 Q: Who should NOT sell on Zillow FSBO?

A: If you are busy, hate paperwork, or sell in a competitive market, FSBO may seem heavy to you. A realtor could save you stress.

Final Thoughts

So, Zillow vs Realtor — which is better?

It depends on your goals:

If you’re comfortable negotiating, handling legal paperwork, and want to save commission fees, then Zillow FSBO could work.
If you want maximum exposure, professional support, and top dollar, then a realtor-backed MLS listing is the smarter move.

At the end of the day, Zillow and Realtor aren’t competitors so much as different tools. Zillow is fantastic for exploring, experimenting, and listing FSBO. Realtors, on the other hand, bring the expertise and exposure that usually leads to higher sale prices and faster closings.

For many homeowners, the smartest move isn’t choosing one over the other—it’s using both. Browse Zillow for inspiration, but lean on a realtor when you’re ready to sell.

Get Started Now