Zillow is typically the first name that comes to mind when people think about looking at homes online. However, what is Zillow and how is it used?
One of the biggest online marketplaces for real estate in the US is Zillow. It has revolutionized the way that buyers, renters, and sellers engage with real estate since its inception in 2006. Zillow makes the process easy and accessible from your computer or phone, whether you're looking for a rental, an apartment, or a house for sale.
We'll go into great detail in this blog about what Zillow is, how it operates, and why millions of people use it for their real estate needs.
Homes For Sale on Zillow
Examining properties for sale is one of Zillow's most common uses. Millions of listings are available for buyers to peruse nationwide.
Features consist of:
- Property Details: Include square footage, price, neighborhood information, and photos.
- Zestimates: Buyers can use Zillow's automated home value estimates as a starting point for pricing.
- Map-Based Search: See available homes on a street-by-street basis by zooming into particular areas.
Use filters to refine results based on factors like lot size, price, and number of bedrooms.
👉 Rather than waiting on Zillow listings, businesses like XLNC Exotic Homes can help California homeowners who want to sell quickly close deals.
Apartments on Zillow
Zillow's apartments section is the reason why renters adore it. Zillow allows you to filter apartments by: Whether you're relocating to a different city or simply changing neighborhoods,
Zillow's interactive map allows you to view apartments in real time as well. Zillow offers verified rental listings and is more structured than classified websites.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) also provides resources for affordable housing. However, Zillow's apartment section is hard to beat for convenience.
Rentals on Zillow
There is more to Zillow than just apartments. Additionally, its rentals section includes:
Rentable single-family homes
Townhomes and condominiums
Options for shared housing and duplexes
Families who require more space than an apartment offers will find it especially helpful because of this.
In order to expedite the process for both parties, Zillow Rentals also enables landlords to take online applications and conduct background checks.
👉 Websites like Zillow are excellent for increasing visibility if you're a homeowner renting out an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU). Additionally, Fortune ADU offers resources and guides if you're interested in creating or optimizing an ADU for rental income.
Tools for Zillow Real Estate
There is more to Zillow than just listings. Additionally, it offers free resources to help sellers, renters, and buyers:
Zestimate – Automated property valuation tool.
Mortgage Calculator – Estimate your monthly payments.
Rent Zestimate – Predicts rental income potential.
Agent Finder – Helps connect users to local realtors.
Before talking to agents or taking financial decisions, people feel more confident than these devices. However, Zestimates can sometimes cause thousands of dollars loss, so accuracy is not guaranteed.
The Reasons Behind Zillow's Success
Convenience – Everything is in one place.
Free Access – There is no fee to browse.
Massive Reach – Millions of lists in the United States.
Transparency – Previous sales history, price cuts, and tax records are accessible to all the public.
However, users should be aware that Zillow data is not flawless. The properties that appear first may be influenced by agent promotions and out-of-date listings.
For Sellers, Zillow
Listing on Zillow increases visibility if you're selling a home. Millions of people visit your property every day, increasing the number of potential buyers.
Finding the right buyer, however, can take weeks or months. For this reason, homeowners who require quick cash offers without having to wait on the open market have alternatives thanks to services like XLNC Exotic Homes.
Comparing Zillow with Other Websites
Zillow vs. Redfin – Redfin frequently has more recent MLS data, but Zillow has a stronger brand recognition.
Zillow vs. Realtor.com – With support from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), Realtor.com is an official website. Zillow is less precise but more comprehensive.
Zillow vs. Craigslist – Zillow is more organized and secure, while Craigslist can be dangerous.
Concluding Remarks
For real estate research, Zillow has emerged as the preferred resource. It's a convenient place to start for anyone new to the real estate market, offering everything from apartments and rentals to houses for sale.
However, keep in mind that Zillow works best as a research tool. Before making significant decisions, always double-check information with certified real estate experts.
XLNC Exotic Homes can help you sell quickly if you're in California and don't want to wait around. And FortuneADU is your resource if you're looking into renting out ADUs.
Zillow Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Who is Zillow's owner?
Founded in 2006 by Rich Barton and Lloyd Frink, Zillow is a publicly traded company.
Q2. Is it free to use Zillow?
Indeed. The majority of the tools and listing browsing are free. There may be fees associated with certain landlord services, such as applications.
Q3. Describe a Zestimate.
Zillow's estimate of a home's value is called a Zestimate. Although it offers a place to start, it isn't always precise.
Q4. Is it possible for me to list my home on Zillow myself?
Indeed. Homeowners have the option to list their property as "For Sale By Owner" (FSBO).
Q5. Are foreclosures listed on Zillow?
Indeed, depending on the market, Zillow frequently lists both pre-foreclosure and foreclosure properties.
