February 9, 2023 | Island Pineapple Realty

Three Hard Truths About Zillow

Three Hard Truths About Zillow
 
Searching for a new home can be a very time-consuming process.
 
You start out casually searching Zillow to “just see what’s out there” and then BOOM, you’ve bookmarked 20 homes and you’re receiving 10 emails and calls a day from every Real Estate Agent in the county.
 
Friends, here’s the unfortunate truth: real estate apps and websites are fun. but they’re not really all that useful.
 

1. Their Search Functionality is Limited

Initially, it seems like you can narrow your search with all the right categories: bedrooms, bathrooms, price, acreage, year built, and more. But when you peel back the layers, you can’t search for exactly what you’re dreaming of.
 
This leaves you wasting tons of time browsing almost-but-not-quite-right properties.
 

2. Their Listings Are Frequently Out of Date and the Price Estimates Are Super Inaccurate

We see it all the time: Someone finds “The One on Zillow and then they’re heartbroken when we have to break the news that the house has been pending for weeks.
 
Here’s what you need to know: There is a 24-hour (minimum) lag time between the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) and Zillow. And in this market, every hour counts! So if you’re trying to DIY your home search, you’ll always be behind the ball.
 
So, about the pricing. Repeat after us: Zestimates cannot be trusted.
 
Zillow might not know that you finished that room over the garage, or if your area is hot (insert sizzle sound) right now. And it’s entirely possible that someone from the county assessor's office fat-fingered the square footage on the tax records.
 
Sure, you can get a broad idea of a property’s value from a Zestimate. Just be aware, the margin of error could be in the tens of thousands of dollars!
 

3. Zillow is a Data Company, Not a Real Estate Company

You’ve probably already experienced this. You gave your info to a real estate app and now you’re receiving tons of annoying, high-pressure texts, calls, and emails.
 
Fun fact, often it’s not the agent’s fault! The “listing agent” on a home is actually attached to the paying client of the website. That client then sends your info to hundreds of agents who pay for your data.
 
Zillow is not concerned with accuracy. They only want your information so they can fulfill their contracts—a certain number of names for a fee each month. In fact, any homeowner can list their property to include their own ‘facts’. Who’s to say that a 5-year-old roof is new or not?
 

So What Can You Do Instead, You Ask?

You don’t have to waste your time feeling frustrated, heartbroken, or like a pawn in some giant marketing scheme. Instead, use the trusty ole’ MLS!
 
The MLS is a database where real estate agents can advertise their actual listings. It’s only available through REAL real estate agents, and it’s localized. Each geographical area has its own MLS service, operating independently from other services across the country. This means national agencies can’t collect (and sell) your data or information for their benefit.
 
Bonus points - It even includes upcoming listings that Zillow only wishes they had access to.
 

Here’s How It Works

  1. Consult Meeting - We’ll have a discovery meeting to determine your budget, location, wants, and needs.

  2. Active Search - We’ll provide a list of homes that meet your criteria, schedule showings, and give YOU direct access to the MLS.

  3. Contract Negotiations - We’ll help you determine your price and terms. We’ll present an offer, begin negotiations, and guide you all the way to your final closing.

Even if you’re really just curious, we’re happy to set you up with the Space Coast’s MLS. No pressure!

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