06/10/2026
This is true! I'm not anti-Zillow, it can be a handy tool, but serious home buyers should be aware of what happens when you click on links in Zillow.
PSA for all home buyers because I truly believe most people don’t realize this...
When you click the “TOUR THIS HOME” or “CONTACT AGENT” button on Zillow or any online search portal:
YOU are the product!
Your information is being sold as a lead to an agent paying for buyer opportunities. And 99% of the time, that agent is not the listing agent and has never seen the house either.
Most buyers assume they’re getting connected directly to the listing agent- someone who knows the property, has all the key info on the home, can answer questions, and is simply opening the door because it’s “their listing.”
I know this because I’m having this exact conversation with people. Zillow is actually getting sued for lack of transparency about this exact thing. So, today is the day we’re gonna get real transparent with it on social media. 😂
Here’s what really happens when you click that “Contact Agent” button: You are being routed into their lead system. They are selling your information to a realtor. Sometime more than one realtor...
And listen… if that’s how you want to approach your home search, cool. No judgment. I’m just here to tell you what’s actually happening on the back end because most consumers genuinely have no idea.
I’ve had conversations in the past with buyers who thought they were directly contacting the listing agent. Mostly because they felt like their timing was really far out, and they didn’t want to “bug” the agent they planned on using because it seemed silly in their mind.
Well it’s not!
PLEASE bother your Realtor. That’s literally what we are here for. Send the screenshot. Text the address. Email the Zillow link at 10:42 PM while laying in bed spiraling about interest rates.
Just know what you’re opting into before clicking buttons all over the internet because you don’t know what you don’t know.
Sighed agents everywhere….
