Zillow Group

Author: Kaitlyn Short

Zillow is one of the leading real estate and rental marketplaces providing consumers with data, insight and knowledge, connecting them with the local professionals to help them buy, rent or sell their property. Zillow has an active database of more than 110 million U.S. homes - including homes for sale, homes for rent and homes not currently on the market. They operate more than two dozen mobile real estate apps across all major platforms. 

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The Good

• States
• Agents
• Offices
• Real estate options
• Filtering options
• License
• Commission/selling cost
• Specialities
• Experience

States

As an internet-based marketplace, Zillow has real estate listing in all 51/51 states. This gives you an advantage over some real estate sites who cover less. If you want to relocate to another state, this is a good resource.

Agents

Most currently, Zillow's employees have totaled to 1,200+ employees. In terms of real estate agents, affiliate agents who advertise with Zillow are listed on their website.

Offices

The company's main office is located in Seattle, Washington. As an internet-based company, this is typical to have on physical location.

Real Estate Options

Zillow offers a host of services to help you buy, sell, and rent residential homes or apartments. These include blogs, online resource center, real estate apps, calculators (Mortgage, Affordability, Refinance Calculator and rent vs buy calculator), and Rental Advertising and Marketing services for property owners. Zillow also lets apartment seekers create a renter's profile to capture the attention of property managers. They even let you fill out a rental pre-application to pre-qualify for renting an apartment. This can save time when apartment shopping, since their background information and credit check is already saved in one place so you don't have to do the same process with each new prospective landlord.

Filtering Options

With up to 19 filtering options, Zillow lets you narrow your search from State and city to property status (For Sale, For Rent}, to price range, beds, baths, Home Type, Square feet, Lot Size, Year Built, Days on Zillow's website, and keywords. If you want, you can narrow it even further by using the option to show only one of more of the following: pets allowed, on-site parking, in-unit laundry, or income restricted or community pillar. You can save your search without having to sign up for an account.

License

Whether you are looking to rent, buy or sell your home, Zillow has a directory of local, licensed real estate agents and brokers to connect you with professionals to help meet your needs. Zillow does not have agents in-house, only listings. Unlike some real estate marketplaces, Zillow provides access to both real estate agents and Real Estate Brokers. Their directory lets you view and compare real estate agents, read reviews, see an agent's current listings and past sales, and contact agents directly from their profile pages on Zillow.

Commission/Selling Cost

When finding an agent on Zillow's website, the commission rate is typically 6%, the real estate industry standard. Specifics can be discussed upon meeting one on one with an agent.

Specialties

Zillow's directory helps you find real estate professionals who specialize in buying, selling, foreclosures, or relocation - among many other options. You can work with a local agent or real estate broker who provides an entire suite of buying and selling services. They also provide lending services through Zillow Mortgages. Zillow Mortgages is a mortgage marketplace that maintains the largest online network of mortgage lenders with 125,000+ customer reviews. Whether you're a first-time home buyer or a homeowner looking to refinance, their local directory of lending professionals connects you with verified, licensed lenders who can help get you the best mortgage rate in your local area. Because mortgage rates can change quickly, choosing an experienced lender is important. Zillow's database lets you search for a lender who specializes in foreclosures or new construction - among many other options - or you may want to work with a lender who provides an entire suite of services. Additionally, Zillow offers listings for professional home improvement services. Whether you are looking for an interior designer, general contractor or an architect, Zillow's local directory of home improvement experts displays professionals who can help complete your project. Their directory lets you view and compare professionals, read reviews, see completed projects, sort by specialty and contact the experts directly from their profile pages. Another specialty Zillow deals in is Property Management. Their property management directory connects you with real estate professionals who can help meet your rental needs. You may need a property management professional who specializes in long-distance landlords, tenant and landlord law, or property marketing - among many other options. Or, you may want to work with a local property manager who provides an entire suite of property management services. Finding a tenant for your apartment for rent can be a challenge, so choosing a property manager who has the local expertise to guide you through the renting and management process is important.

Experience

Zillow has been operating for 10 years. The company launched in 2006 and is headquartered in Seattle.

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The Bad

• International

International

Zillow is based in the United States. Although it is an internet-based site, which can reach anywhere on the planet where there is internet service, Zillow's listings are limited to the United States.

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The Bottom Line

Zillow is the place to be for renters seeking apartments. It also is good for owners seeking to find property managers for their rental properties. If you're a home owner selling your home or buying a home, Zillow's services and real estate home and agent listings may prove a good match, too (Although there is plenty of competition out there offering the same thing). With a B+ rating, Zillow needs to resolve their complaints.