Zillow vs Realtor: Which Platform is Best for Home Buyers and Sellers?
When it comes to buying or selling a home, choosing the right online real estate platform is crucial. Two of the most popular and widely used real estate websites are Zillow and Realtor.com. Both platforms offer extensive property listings, market insights, and tools to facilitate home transactions. However, they have key differences that can impact your home-buying or selling experience.
In this article, we’ll compare Zillow vs. Realtor.com, analyzing their key features, accuracy, pricing, and overall user experience to help you determine which platform best suits your needs.
Overview of Zillow and Realtor.com
What is Zillow?
Zillow is one of the most recognized names in online real estate. Founded in 2006, Zillow offers property listings, home value estimates (Zestimates), mortgage calculators, and market trend data. The platform allows users to browse listings, connect with real estate agents, and access tools to assist with financing, renting, and selling homes.
Key Features of Zillow:
- Extensive database of home listings across the U.S.
- Zestimate tool for property valuation
- User-friendly mobile app and website
- Connection to Zillow Premier Agents
- Virtual tours and 3D home tours
- Rental listings and property management tools
What is Realtor.com?
Realtor.com is an online real estate marketplace operated by Move, Inc., a subsidiary of News Corp. It is closely linked to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), which ensures that it has up-to-date listings from Multiple Listing Services (MLS).
Key Features of Realtor.com:
- MLS-backed property listings
- Direct connection with licensed real estate professionals
- Mortgage calculators and affordability tools
- Neighborhood and market trend insights
- Home value estimates based on MLS data
- Enhanced search filters for personalized searches
Comparison: Zillow vs Realtor.com
Accuracy of Listings
When it comes to listing accuracy, Realtor.com has an advantage over Zillow. Because Realtor.com sources listings directly from MLS databases, it typically provides more up-to-date and accurate property information.
Zillow, on the other hand, aggregates listings from multiple sources, including MLS but also directly from property owners and agents. However, Zillow’s information may sometimes have a delay in updating, leading to discrepancies such as outdated property status (e.g., a home still appearing as “for sale” after it’s sold).
Home Value Estimates: Zestimate vs Realtor.com’s Estimates
Zillow’s Zestimate is a widely used feature that estimates a home’s value using an automated algorithm. It considers factors like comparable home sales, tax records, and user-submitted data. While convenient, Zestimates are not always accurate, as they rely on publicly available data that may not reflect recent updates or renovations.
Realtor.com also provides home value estimates but relies more on MLS-sourced data and professional appraisals. This often makes Realtor.com’s estimates more reliable than Zillow’s automated algorithm-based Zestimate.
User Experience and Interface
Both Zillow and Realtor.com offer intuitive interfaces, making it easy for users to search for homes, apply filters, and view listings.
- Zillow has a more visually appealing design with interactive maps and 3D tours. The app provides seamless browsing, and its extensive filtering options make searching convenient.
- Realtor.com focuses on providing data-rich insights, including more comprehensive neighborhood information, school ratings, and market trends. While the interface is not as visually engaging as Zillow’s, it offers more detailed property insights.
Agent Connection and Customer Support
For home buyers and sellers, connecting with a trusted real estate agent is critical.
- Zillow features the Zillow Premier Agent program, where real estate agents pay for advertising and get featured on listings. This means buyers may connect with agents who have paid for visibility rather than those with the best local expertise.
- Realtor.com connects users with licensed real estate agents directly tied to the MLS, which often results in better-qualified matches with experienced professionals.
Availability of Rental Listings
If you’re looking for rental properties, Zillow provides a more comprehensive rental listing platform, with detailed rental management tools for landlords.
While Realtor.com does have rental listings, they are not as extensive or as well-integrated with management tools as Zillow’s offerings.
Market Insights and Reports
Both platforms offer real estate market insights, but Realtor.com provides more detailed MLS-based reports. These insights can be crucial for sellers looking to price their homes competitively or buyers seeking emerging market trends.
Zillow does offer some market data, but its primary focus is on user-driven property searches rather than detailed market analytics.
Zillow vs Realtor Traffic Comparison
According to SEMrush, Zillow receives significantly more online traffic than Realtor.com. Zillow boasts over 89.4 million page views monthly, while Realtor.com receives approximately 27.4 million. This means Zillow has a larger audience, which can be beneficial for sellers looking to get more exposure for their listings. However, the quality of leads and engagement levels on both platforms may vary depending on the specific market and location.
Pros and Cons of Zillow and Realtor.com
| Feature | Zillow | Realtor.com |
|---|---|---|
| Listing Accuracy | Slightly delayed updates, user-added listings | MLS-backed, more reliable listings |
| Home Value Estimates | Zestimate, often inaccurate | MLS-based estimates, more precise |
| User Interface | Interactive, visually appealing | Data-rich, detailed insights |
| Agent Connection | Paid agent program | Direct MLS-agent connection |
| Rental Listings | Extensive rental tools | Limited rental options |
| Market Insights | Basic market data | Detailed MLS reports |
Which Platform is Best for You?
Choose Zillow if:
- You want an easy-to-navigate, visually engaging platform.
- You are looking for rental listings and landlord management tools.
- You prefer using the Zestimate feature for quick home value estimates.
Choose Realtor.com if:
- You need the most accurate and updated listings.
- You want to connect with a licensed, MLS-backed real estate agent.
- You’re a home seller looking for precise market insights and property valuation.
Final Verdict: Zillow vs Realtor.com
Both Zillow and Realtor.com serve as powerful real estate platforms, each with its strengths and weaknesses. Zillow is ideal for casual home browsing and rental searches, while Realtor.com excels in listing accuracy and connecting users with professional real estate agents.
For serious buyers and sellers, Realtor.com may be the better choice due to its MLS integration and professional agent connections. However, for those looking for a user-friendly browsing experience with rental options, Zillow remains a strong contender.
Ultimately, the choice depends on your specific needs and priorities. If accuracy and direct MLS data are essential, Realtor.com is your best bet. If you prefer a more interactive home search experience, Zillow is the way to go.
