Zillow is a big name in the online real estate world, but it’s not the only game in town. There are a bunch of other websites that offer similar services, each with their own unique spin.
Zillow has changed the game for buyers, sellers, and real estate agents. It’s a one-stop-shop for property details, home value estimates, and a whole lot more for millions of homes across the U.S. It’s also hooked up to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), which is a major source of data for real estate pros.
But Zillow isn’t a member of the MLS, so it doesn’t have to play by the same rules. This means some of its listings might be out of date, inaccurate, or incomplete. It also might prioritize listings that are advertised or sponsored by its partners, which could affect the visibility of other listings.
So, what are some alternatives to Zillow? Let’s take a look at 11 of them:
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Realtor.com: This is the official site of the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the biggest trade association of real estate professionals in the U.S. It has direct access to MLS data, so its listings are always current and accurate.
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Redfin: This is a real estate brokerage with an online platform. It also has direct access to MLS data and updates its listings every 15 minutes. Plus, it offers video tours, virtual open houses, and 3D walkthroughs of some properties.
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Trulia: Owned by Zillow, Trulia offers a different user experience. It focuses on providing neighborhood insights, like crime rates, school ratings, commute times, and local amenities.
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Homes.com: This site connects buyers, sellers, and real estate agents. It displays listings from the MLS and other sources, like for-sale-by-owner and foreclosure properties.
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HomeFinder: This site simplifies the home buying and selling process. It displays listings from the MLS and other sources, like for-sale-by-owner and new construction properties.
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Apartments.com: This site specializes in rental properties. It displays listings of apartments, condos, townhomes, and houses for rent from various sources.
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Movoto: This is a real estate brokerage with an online platform. It has direct access to MLS data and updates its listings every 5 minutes.
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Century 21 Real Estate: This is a global real estate franchise with an online platform. It displays listings of residential and commercial properties for sale or rent from its network of agents and brokers.
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RE/MAX: This is a global real estate franchise with an online platform. It displays listings of residential and commercial properties for sale or rent from its network of agents and brokers.
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LoopNet: This site specializes in commercial real estate. It displays listings of office, retail, industrial, multifamily, land, and other types of commercial properties for sale or lease.
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ForSaleByOwner.com: This site enables homeowners to sell their homes without an agent. It displays listings of for-sale-by-owner properties, which are verified by the platform.
While Zillow is a popular platform for real estate browsing, it might not be the best fit for everyone. Depending on what you’re looking for, you might prefer a platform that has more accurate and updated listings, doesn’t charge fees for leads or exposure, and supports professional reputation and ethics.
When choosing a real estate site, consider features like MLS integration, listing agent support, real estate app functionalities, comprehensive property listings, detailed property information, advanced search filters, a user-friendly interface, customer service and support, community insights and reviews, and security and privacy features.
The best real estate website really depends on what you’re looking for. If you want the most up-to-date and accurate listings directly from MLS, you might like Realtor.com. If you prefer a tech-driven approach with low fees and high customer satisfaction, Redfin might be a good fit.
Real estate professionals often prefer sites with direct MLS integration, like Realtor.com and Redfin, because they offer accurate and timely listings. Realtor.com is endorsed by the National Association of Realtors, so it supports professional ethics and interests. Redfin combines brokerage services with a user-friendly platform, making it easy for professionals to connect with clients.
If you’re looking for commercial real estate, LoopNet is a great option. It specializes in listing various types of commercial properties and offers comprehensive property details and market data.
Niche real estate platforms offer several advantages over Zillow. For example, ForSaleByOwner.com caters specifically to the for-sale-by-owner market, providing tools and resources for homeowners to sell their property directly. Apartments.com is tailored for renters, with a vast database of rental properties and useful tools like rent calculators.
International buyers can benefit from sites like Zillow by gaining access to a wide range of properties across the U.S. from anywhere in the world. These platforms provide comprehensive property details, making it easier for international buyers to research and compare properties remotely. Some platforms also offer tools and resources tailored to the needs of international buyers, like currency conversion, international mortgage services, and guides on buying property in the U.S.
