06/10/2026
Zillow can be a great tool for buyers who want to search for properties alongside their agent or Realtor. However, it’s important to keep in mind that Zillow’s website is designed to monetize every aspect of your experience and intentionally make it difficult for you to obtain information on your own. If you want someone who is going to advocate for you and your best interests, take the time to interview a licensed Realtor.
Side bar: Did you know that there is a difference between a real estate agent and a Realtor? 🤔
Realtors are members of the National Association of Realtors and are held to a higher standard of conduct - a code of Ethics. All Realtors are agents, but not all agents are Realtors 😉
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….
