217: Zillow Secrets: How to Use It the Right Way (and What the Zestimate Misses)

Home SellingSelling Real EstateCalifornia Real EstateReal Estate InvestingHome Buying 101

Nov 7

If you’ve ever found yourself scrolling through Zillow at midnight (we’ve all been there), you already know it’s addictive! the photos, the price tags, the dream-home daydreams. Zillow is the #1 real estate site in the country, and it’s a great place to start exploring what’s out there. But is everything you see on Zillow accurate? Not exactly.

Let’s start with the basics:

Zillow doesn’t create the listings, agents do. Every bit of information, from square footage to property descriptions, comes from real estate professionals uploading their data through the MLS. So if you’ve ever seen a listing missing details or photos, that’s not on Zillow, that’s usually on how it was entered.

Next, let’s talk about the Zestimate.

Zillow’s signature home value estimate that everyone loves to check. Here’s the truth: it’s a computer-generated number based on algorithms, nearby sales, and historical data. What it can’t see are the upgrades, the views, the street noise, or the overall feel of a home. Those human factors… the ones that make a home truly valuable, aren’t part of the equation. So, while the Zestimate can give you a starting point, it shouldn’t be the finish line when it comes to pricing or offers.

Another common misconception? When you click “Schedule a Tour,” you’re usually connecting with a Zillow partner agent, not the actual listing agent. That means you could be talking to someone who doesn’t know the property personally. Always check the listing details to find the actual agent representing the home if you want the most direct and accurate information.

FINAL THOUGHTS:

Zillow also gives you helpful insights like price per square foot, days on market, and property tax history are all valuable pieces of the puzzle. Just remember: those numbers tell part of the story, not all of it.

The biggest takeaway? Use Zillow as a tool, not your only source. Combine it with real conversations with local professionals who know the neighborhoods, the hidden gems, and the real market trends.

At the end of the day, Zillow can help you dream, but your agent can help you decide.

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