Last updated on September 17th, 2023 at 09:37 am
Zillow is an online real estate marketplace that offers a wide range of services for both home buyers and sellers.
It provides users with access to detailed property listings, market data, and tools to help them make informed decisions.
Whether you are looking to buy a new home in a city like Dallas, TX or sell your existing property, Zillow can be an extremely valuable resource that is free.
One important aspect of Zillow is understanding the different listing statuses, such as “active,” which we will explore in this article.
Understanding the different listing statuses [on Zillow]
When you search for properties on Zillow, you may come across various listing statuses. These statuses indicate the availability and current state of a property.
Active listings on Zillow make up about 40% of all listings on the site.
Some common listing statuses on Zillow include “active,” “pending,” “sold,” and “off-market.”
Each status carries a different meaning and provides valuable information to both buyers and sellers.
What does “active” mean on Zillow?
The “active” status on Zillow indicates that a property is currently available for sale. It means that the property (is actively being marketed) and can be considered by potential buyers.
When a listing is marked as active, it means that the seller is seeking offers and is open to negotiations on the home.
This status is critical for buyers as it allows them to identify properties that are actively on the market and ready to be sold.
Advantages of having active properties on Zillow
As a buyer, one of the main benefits of focusing on active listings on Zillow is the assurance that the property is still available for purchase.
- By narrowing down your search to active listings, you can avoid wasting time on properties that have already been sold or taken off the market.
- Active listings are also more likely to have up-to-date information, including accurate pricing and property details.
- For sellers, keeping their listings active on Zillow offers several advantages. It increases the visibility of their property to potential buyers, increasing the chances of attracting offers.
- Active listings are also more likely to be featured in search results, drawing more attention to the property.
- Additionally, having an active listing can generate more inquiries and showings, leading to a faster sale.
Are there any disadvantages to having an “active” listing
- Inaccurate information: Zillow relies on data from a variety of sources, including public records and user-submitted information. This means that the information on Zillow may not always be accurate or up-to-date.
- Unwanted solicitations: When a property is listed on Zillow, the seller may receive unwanted solicitations from real estate agents, investors, and other people.
- Limited control: Zillow has strict guidelines for what can and cannot be included in a listing, and sellers may have limited control over the appearance and content of their listing.
- Zestimate accuracy: Zillow provides a “Zestimate” for each property, which is an estimate of the property’s value. However, these estimates are not always accurate and can be influenced by a variety of factors, including the availability of data and recent sales in the area. Basically, they can be wrong.
It’s important for sellers to weigh the potential advantages and disadvantages of listing their property on Zillow and to consider other marketing strategies as well.
How to search for active homes on Zillow
Searching for active listings on Zillow is a straightforward process. Start by visiting the Zillow website or opening the Zillow app.
- Enter the location you prefer in the search bar, along with any other specific criteria you may have, such as the number of bedrooms or price range.
- Once the search results load, you can use the filter options to further refine your search. Look for the “Status” filter and select “For Sale” or “Active” to specifically view active listings.
Common misconceptions about active listings
There are some common misconceptions about active listings on Zillow that are important to address.
- One misconception is that a property listed as active means that it is guaranteed to be available.
- While the active status indicates that the property is actively for sale, it is still possible for a property to be under contract or have an accepted offer.
It is essential for buyers to communicate with the listing agent to confirm the availability and status of a property before making any assumptions.
- Another misconception is that active listings on Zillow always represent the best deals.
- While active listings often offer excellent opportunities, it is important to consider other factors such as location, condition, and pricing.
The best deal for you may not necessarily be the most attractive or most recently listed property.
It is important to thoroughly research and compare different options to make an informed decision.
Tips for sellers to keep their houses active on Zillow
If you are a seller looking to keep your listing active on Zillow, there are several tips you can follow. First and foremost, ensure that your property is accurately represented in the listing.
- Provide high-quality photos that showcase the property’s best features and include detailed descriptions that highlight its unique selling points.
- Regularly update your listing with any changes, such as price adjustments or additional amenities.
- Respond promptly to inquiries and showing requests to demonstrate your commitment to selling. Consider hosting open houses or virtual tours to attract potential buyers.
- Finally, work closely with your real estate agent to develop a marketing strategy that maximizes the visibility of your listing on Zillow.
How to update the status of a listing on Zillow
If you are a seller or a real estate agent and need to update the status of your listing on Zillow, it can be done through your Zillow account..
Log in to your account and navigate to the “My Listings” section. Find the specific listing you want to update and click on it.
Look for the option to edit the listing details and select the appropriate status from the available options. Make sure to save the changes to ensure that the updated status reflects accurately on Zillow.
Other listing statuses and their meanings
Apart from the “active” status, Zillow also uses various other listing statuses to provide more information about a property’s availability.
For example, the “pending” status indicates that a property has an accepted offer and is in the process of closing. The “sold” status represents properties that have been successfully sold and are no longer available.
The “off-market” status indicates that a property is not currently listed for sale but may become available in the future. Understanding these different statuses can help you navigate the real estate market more effectively.
How to Contact Zillow if Your Listing is Inactive
If your listing falls to inactive and you need to contact Zillow; here are the steps you can take.
Visit the Zillow Help Center
- Find the [Contact Us] button and select it.
- Click on the appropriate tab based on your problem.
For example, if you are having trouble with an inactive listing, you may select “Home Sellers” as the topic and “My home on Zillow is listed by my agent. How can I edit my listing?” as the subtopic.
Choose your preferred contact method. Zillow offers several options for contacting their support team, including phone, email, and live chat.
How often is the “active” status updated on Zillow
The “active” status on Zillow is typically updated every [15-30] minutes, but this can vary depending on a variety of factors like the local real estate market and the availability of data.
Zillow relies on data from multiple sources, including Multiple Listing Services (MLS), public records, and user-submitted information, to update their listings.
Final Thoughts
Zillow is a powerful platform that offers valuable resources for both buyers and sellers in the real estate market.
Understanding the different listing statuses, particularly the meaning of “active,” helps buyers make informed decisions.
Active listings represent properties that are actively on the market and available for purchase. By focusing on active listings, buyers can save time and ensure they are considering properties that are still available.
For sellers, keeping their listings active on Zillow increases visibility and attracts potential buyers.
By following the tips and utilizing the features provided by Zillow, both buyers and sellers can navigate the real estate market with confidence.