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7.6

Overall Score

LAST UPDATED: March 28th, 2024

Zillow was developed as an online real estate search engine that was incorporated in 2004. It was created by Rich Barton and Lloyd Bring, former Microsoft gurus who were key in the development of the Expedia website. Spencer Rascoff serves as the company CEO. The company has data on over 110 million homes in the United States, in addition to the 2 million that are currently listed on the website for sale. The site offers value estimates on homes, gives key data on how the price of a home will change over a given timespan, gives aerial views of homes and helps customers find data on similar homes that exist in the same search area. The website accesses basic public data on a home and also gives information on the square footage and number of bedrooms listed in a home. If a home has a recently added feature, such as a renovation, this information is also tracked on the website for the home. Zillow also has API integration and developers can also network Zillow's search feature into websites developed for other realtors. Zillow has a unique functionality that is not found on many realtor websites. The "Make Me Move" feature is a great way to get a pre-market price on the home out there. One of the nice features of the Zillow website is the rental search feature, which was launched in 2009. The website doesn't list as many rentals as homes, but this helps renters find an affordable website. Zillow is also used to power other key real estate search paradigms, such as AOL Real Estate and MSN Real Estate, in 2013 and 2014 respectively. Zillow also was one of the first companies in the industry to begin using apps to access its real estate search database. Here is a list of apps available and the dates that they were launched:

  • April 2009, iPhone app
  • March 2010, Android app
  • April 2010, iPad app
  • March 2011, Blackberry app
  • July 2012, Windows phone app
  • November 2013, Windows 8.1 app.

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The Good

  • Search functionality
  • Apps
The first thing that we noticed about the Zillow website was its functionality. We liked the number of listings that we saw available. The search feature is also easy to use. Site users can do multiple types of searches. It is possible to search by address, state, map, type of home, rental or home purchase, the number of bedrooms in a home, and other search criteria. It also includes a "Make Me Move" price, where customers can see new homes that are just starting to enter the market. Another thing that we liked about the website was the feature that lets users see factors that increase a home's values. Price valuation increases in a home can be projected for a 5- or 10-year timespan. Also, the site lists recent renovations to a home that may also increase its price. We also liked the number of apps available for Zillow. When we looked at apps in the industry, many of the apps were only geared for the iPhone. We saw apps available for the iPad and Google tablets as well. The Zillow app is very flexible to use on the Windows 8.1 phone, a major plus in our opinion, given the Zillow functionality of the MSN Real Estate website. We found that the Zillow "Zestimate" was also accurate. We looked at homes on the website and then checked these prices with real estate websites and other listings. The Zestimate feature allows users to see a price that is projected based on several factors, including prices of homes that are also going in the same search area. Zestimate, however, is not always accurate. One of the problems that we found with "Zestimates" was that the price accuracy varies by location and current offers if buyers are negotiating for the home.
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The Bad

  • Customer support
  • Zestimate accuracy
One of the things we noticed right away was the lack of support available for the Zillow website. They don't offer a toll-free number for customers to call in. There is also no live chat app for customers who are looking for information about a particular home. Another problem that we found with Zillow was that the Zestimate and home prices listed on the website was not always accurate. We found that a homeowner who rented had lost income on a property because the property was incorrectly listed as being "in foreclosure." The client asked to receive funds to help compensate for their losses, but Zillow responded by saying that their information is received from third-party sources. We found that the pricing critiques of the website hinged on the following factors:
  • Some data used to compile the Zillow price estimate can be as old as twenty years and is based on old bank data, public data, and sales transactions.
  • Only 65% of Zillow's listing stock can be considered "accurate," according to Fortune magazine.
  • Real estate agents and brokers are more likely to know the most up-to-date and factual information about a home that is listed for sale.
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The Bottom Line

Overall, we would recommend Zillow as a website for listing your home or looking for a new home. Here is what we liked about Zillow's website:
  • Accurate data, for the most part, that is compiled from trustworthy and up-to-date public sources.
  • The "Zestimate" price that is listed for homes.
  • The search functionality of the website.
  • The ability for site users to ask real estate questions in a public forum.
  • The map feature and aerial views offered for homes.
  • Price valuation information for a home that is listed in timespan intervals.
  • Rental listings that are almost as extensive as sales listings.
We saw a pattern of complaints such as occasional inaccurate price information for a new home. Some landlords lost money due to homes being listed as "in foreclosure" on the website when they were in fact not. Also, we had concerns with some property information on the website, especially bank data, as being as much as two decades old. Even though Zillow gets its information from third-party sources, more supervision of the data is needed to ensure its accuracy.
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Star Rating

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4.5

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1,109 Reviews

Review Breakdown

5 grade

58%

4 grade

28%

3 grade

10%

2 grade

2%

1 grade

2%

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Nora Mosley

I love to use Zillow because it helps us see who is selling and at what cost in our service area. I am looking for a new home and Zillow always sends me an email update when something new comes up. We can also look up different locations and it allows you to search only what you can afford versus just giving you everything that is out there. So you are able to search for only what you need. :)

3 days ago

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Stephanie Bloniarz

We loved using Zillow when we sold our house by owner! It was easy to list, and found a buyer within 24 hours! I love using it as tool to find the value in my home, and always keeping an eye out for others we might be interested in.

1 week ago

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dana pace Universal City, TX

It was easy to use and so helpful when we were searching for a home. We recieved an email when there were new listings. We found our new home on zillow and are so happy here.

1 week ago

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Vinnie

Super easy to navigate. Love the map feature it makes it very helpful when looking for homes in a specific neighborhood. Very accurate pricing and home estimates.

1 week ago

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Amani Patel Harrisonburg, VA

Fantastic website with very reliable and accurate information! Have used Zillow when looking into properties multiple times and I feel like I get a comprehensive overview of each property I look at! Would recommend!

1 month ago

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Brittney Anderson-Martinez Austin, TX

Zillow is very user friendly and up to date. You can save homes for easy viewing as well. Zestimate on properties seem accurate and there is a payment calculator on each listing to give an estimate of monthly costs dependent on property.

1 month ago

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Stephanie M. Oceanside, CA

My husband and I were interested in buying a small condo in Chicago. Since we live in San Diego, we can't get information or see places in person. Zillow allowed us to search the area codes we wanted and see photos of the inside and outside of places. They also provided a breakdown of the costs.

1 month ago Edited February 20, 2024

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Candice S Milan, TN

Easy to navigate and very informative. For buyers, I like that Zillow may have different information on a property that may also be listed elsewhere. For sellers, Zillow is very easy to list your own property and reaches a broad market. I also enjoy the updates on properties that are listed through them.

1 month ago

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Rachel

Very easy to work with and search for homes using their site. Highly recommend to narrow down choices and mase it easy to find what I was looking for in the area I wanted to be in.

1 month ago

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veronica angelo Weston, MA

Zillow is my go-to for finding homes and apartments. It's super easy to use and has tons of listings to choose from. I found my dream place through Zillow and couldn't be happier with the whole process. Highly recommend checking it out if you're in the market for a new home!

2 months ago

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KIMBERLY & TINA CREAN Peoria, AZ

I only trust Zillow with the buying and selling prices of my homes. I feel the y are the most accurate and trustworthy sites for pricing and home values. Love to see any of the photos I can before I go looking at homes. It saves me time and money to know if it’s even worth a visit.

2 months ago

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Robert McLaughlin Winder, GA

I learned about Zillow during the process of refinancing our home. I was able to research a lot of pertinent information about our home by visiting this website. Now that I have completed the process and refinanced our home, I use this website to continue to see the surrounding areas selling cost and estimated mortgages comparisons

2 months ago

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Michelle Thomas Anaheim, CA

Zillow is my favorite site when looking up the price of homes in areas I search for homes. This site is valuable for searching homes for sale across the US. I have helped friends to find new homes in Washington and Nevada. Overall you will find every thing you need to know about a home you own or are looking to purchase. Zillow is a definitely a 5 star site.

4 months ago

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Arooj Naeem Washington, DC

I find Zillow incredibly useful in my home search. The user-friendly interface and detailed property information make it a go-to platform. The Zestimate feature adds value, although I'm mindful of occasional inaccuracies. Overall, it streamlines the house-hunting process, offering a comprehensive and accessible resource for potential homebuyers like myself.

3 months ago

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Deborah Dyer Hendersonville, TN

We have used Zillow in the past when we were considering a move from one city to another. The Real estate Agent I worked with was very personable, professional and extremely knowledgeable in her line of work. We informed her what our interests were in what our next house would have to have, in order to please us. From that first day, she worked rapidly emailing me daily several pictures and information on at least 6-10 houses she thought we would like within our price range. She performed market values of the homes that had sold within our neighborhood and surrounding areas comparing them with the price we had decided to sell our home for. Unfortunately, due to an Unexpectedly and quite involved health issue, we were not able to move at the time we had hoped. However, she kept in touch with us, even mailing me a beautiful ‘Thinking of you’ card which I thought was very nice. I still receive quotes for our home as the home market continues to go up and down. We will use her again someday if and when we decide to move.

8 months ago

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Albert Laser

Very good app, easy to navigate houses for sale in mapp area. Convenient mortgage application.

4 days ago

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Richied

I find by using Zillow gives me the latest homes that are for sale and best descriptions

6 days ago

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Chris G

I love their search features! Go by zip code or draw a circle around the area you want a house in. This allows more freedom to find less populated or more populated areas. Another fantastic feature is giving the history of the property. How many times it has been on the market, the last time it was sold, for how much etc. So when someone buys a piece of land for $15k 6 months ago and are now trying to sell it for 200k, you have more bargaining room - or can just run! It also has information if the land was harvested for the trees, then replanted with cheap pine. (A healthy woodland has various types of trees. All pine says it has already been strippe d of anything valuable). They can be a little generous in estimating your homes value, but it's not too far off. Their search features can't be beat! I tried a few.

4 months ago

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john may Baltimore, MD

They were acurate with their home prices and home locations. They offer all products relating to home buying and selling.

2 weeks ago

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Jake Benson Chicago, IL

I really like using Zillow to search for homes. It's easy to use and has lots of listings. The detailed information and photos help me find the right home. I recommend Zillow for anyone looking to buy or rent a property.

2 months ago

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Satoria MoonGoddess

I've purchased two homes using the Zillow app to find them. It has great detail on the history of the home as well as finance calculators. I always look at it even though I have my dream home.

2 months ago Edited January 19, 2024

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Robert Columbus, OH

I check Zillow on a regular basis to monitor prices of home sales in the area. Their estimates are pretty accurate. I also like the fact that they provide property tax and home sale histories.

2 months ago

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Georgio O. McCullough MA

Zillow is an excellent website for finding your next home, rental or just information about a specific property in your desired location/area. The site has been around for a while and is a good reference for looking at houses.

3 months ago

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Judy Las Vegas, NV

I love this site. I can look up the value of my home and compare it to others my area. I can add amenities that my home has. I like to look up home values in other states to which I might be looking to move. I can track home value increases and decreases. I can see where local schools are. There is just so much informationavailable.

3 months ago

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Debra Fort Lauderdale, FL

I can always count on Zillow for ease of use and help with a sale or rent. I bought my apartment a few years ago and would never have found it If the seller had posted on Zillow and I had not looked!. My daughter just rented a home after selling her home and used Zillow. Super easy to use and we are always successful! Keep up the great work Zillow!

4 months ago

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Tyrone Walton Atlanta, GA

I was on the house hunt for several months on my own but a close veteran buddy ask me have I ever heard of Zillow I said no but looked it up and I was hooked. The website made it easy and brought all the properties to me with just a click. The site is so user friendly and to my surprise very current on what you see on the site and what you see when you visit the property. I highly recommend Zillow to all future homeowners. Allow Zillow to put you in your dream home.

5 months ago

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Sierra Jo Smith Pomeroy, WA

Zillow.com is the go-to website for real estate. With a user-friendly interface, robust search functionality, and a vast database of listings, it revolutionizes the way we navigate the housing market. The site provides comprehensive property details, including price history, amenities, and neighborhood data, allowing informed decision-making. Innovative tools like the interactive map view and "Zestimate" feature enhance the home search experience. Zillow's mortgage calculator simplifies financial planning. Whether you're a buyer, seller, or enthusiast, Zillow.com is an invaluable resource for all your real estate needs.

8 months ago

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Nilsa Gonzalez Dallas, TX

I love Zillow, they have just the right amount of information needed to start the home buying process.

2 weeks ago

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Annie Hickey Ormond Beach, FL

They helped advertise my home for sale 4 years ago. Man so many people saw it. They're really good at what they do.

4 weeks ago

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Michael Blitz Hicksville, NY

Every time we have contacted a realtor through Zillow, he/she has been enthusiastic, helpful, knowledgable and tuned in to our must-have list.

1 month ago

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Thomas

Great site and able to check home values. The site was accurate when we sold our house. The realtor estimate and our value on zillow were within a few dollars.

2 months ago

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Mavris odunayo

Zillow has helped us in our company a lot in terms of searching for real estate they’re doing they best and their customer service has done their best so far as for me

2 months ago

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Tierra Kozemski

Very user friendly. It keeps up to date and gives a lot of good information so I can narrow down my search and not have to waste mine or my agent's time!

2 months ago

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Russ Hamstring Lake Havasu City, AZ

I always use Zillow's free services when I'm looking to buy a home. The information they provide is honest and to the point. It's a great tool to use if looking for home values in a certain area or to see your home's value. They show you a map with values. It's just great.

6 months ago

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Joseph Faenza Washington, DC

Zillow is a great resource when I was searching for my last home. I like how you can takeoff the boundary part of the map and keep searching all around the country if need be. Their zestimate is also a great option if you want to know what your current house is roughly worth.

7 months ago Edited August 7, 2023

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Jennifer Costa

Great website! Easy to access housing information.

6 days ago

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Joe Tucci New Hyde Park, NY

Zillow makes searching for a new home easy. I love the map search! Zillow gives you an estimate or comp what the home should cost in the area. I still go on this site to see what homes just got listed and area comps for homes like mine.

5 months ago

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Clela Finn Schertz, TX

I don’t know if I would have found my home if not for Zillow. We were spending every weekend viewing homes that my realtor brought up and it was a true bidding war. One day after viewing several, feeling frustrated and a bit defeated, I saw an ad on Facebook for Zillow, and I downloaded the app. I saw several homes that were along the lines of what we wanted and two that allowed self viewing. We fell in love with the first and called the realtor and made the offer that day. Still love the home and can’t say enough how much I appreciated Zillows services.

8 months ago

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Sherran Nutson Atlanta, GA

I use Zillow to check property value of my home and other homes in my area. I check Zillow to find properties in my area that are for sale and have a lake on the property. I use Zillow to find out how much homes sold for in my area. I love Zillow it's a one-stop-real estate shop. I'm about to find out just about anything on Zillow when it comes to real estate.

8 months ago

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Ilspbeth Bruce

I have been using Zillow for years and just love it! It is a fantantic tool has everyting neat and organized, very user friendly. All of the tools like the payment calculator are wonderful and its great to not have to go between diferent sites and apps to get everything that you need. We were out looking at properties over the weekend and where we were looking the cell service is VERY limited but with Zillow i was able to go thru and add the 8 properties we wanted to see all in a row and in line with the best routes to get to each and the quickest ways to get from one to the other and send all of that information from my pc at home to my phone so that no matter if i had cell service or not we could see exactly where we were going. It was a great day and we say everything that we wanted. Zillow is what i will always use!!!!

11 months ago

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Erinjean87 San Diego, CA

I have found rentals and a home to buy via Zillow. It's very user friendly. And seems to be the most accurate of the options out there.

2 months ago

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Devin Regensburger

I like that Zillow provides so much information on properties. It helped me find my current house and I'll use it again when I decide to move. The estimated monthly cost is also very helpful!

4 months ago

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Kelsey Conner Wilmington, NC

We found our first home using Zillow, and the Zestimate was pretty accurate. We preferred it over our realtor's platform. We enjoy the ease of the functionality of the website, and will use it next time we buy a home.

5 months ago

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Matthew Houston, TX

Best site when it comes to looking for and then purchasing a new home. I was a first time homebuyer and I religiously used this couples with the help of my realtor to buy my first home. Has so many homes on it, everyone uses it, site is incredibly easy to use.

6 months ago

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Susan Ballard Pearland, TX

I really enjoy that I can look up home values for any place I want to consider moving to. It's fun while on vacation to search for homes in the area I'm visiting. I also appreciate the ongoing updates to my own home value so I am informed as to what the market looks like. Great job Zillow!

7 months ago

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Mark Sanford Comfort, TX

Zillow is very user friendly and easy to search and browse listings I am interested in. Have purchased an "investment " home through Zillow and the agent was great! The agent was diligent in setting up appointments to view each home, was courteous and on time for each meeting and provided me with very helpful information.

7 months ago

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C B La Puente, CA

Zillow helped me find homes for rent at affordable prices! This is my first site to use whenever I’m apartment/house searching. It’s very easy to use and helps you find homes anywhere. You also get notified for new locations and you’re able to contact the agents if interested in homes.

7 months ago Edited August 10, 2023

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Sharla Van de Vyver Washington, MI

We have listed a home and successfully sold it by owner on Zillow. We have also purchased a home we found through Zillow. Zillow made it easy to find exactly what we were looking for with their filters and saved search options.

7 months ago

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Richard Birnbach Monterrey, NLE

Excellent search features to make finding availalble properties a simple matter. They also provide information for all properties in the area you selected with historical data as well as full property details with pictures. Makes browsing a snap!

8 months ago

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Jacquelynn Russell Vancouver, WA

We used Zillow to advertise our home when we sold it several years ago, and it saved us a lot of time and money. It’s a simple process, and free! We didn’t use their agents, and never felt pressured to. All around great service!

8 months ago