Last updated on October 4th, 2023 at 05:16 pm
Quick Answer
If you're looking for alternatives to Zillow, there are several reputable options worth considering. Some popular alternatives include Redfin, Realtor.com, Trulia, and Homes.com
Are you tired of spending countless hours scrolling through Zillow, hoping to find your dream home, only to realize it’s not even available?
Or maybe you’ve already sold your house using Zillow and now you’re wondering if there are other websites that offer similar services.
Well, consider yourself lucky because in this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the world of online real estate platforms and explore other sites that are just waiting to help you find your perfect property.
From nationwide giants to local niche platforms, we’ll cover them all.
Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, an experienced investor, or simply interested in exploring the housing market, rest assured we have something for everyone.
So let’s jump right in and discover some top alternatives to Zillow that definitely deserve your attention.
6 Best Zillow Alternatives in 2023
If you’re in the market for real estate, you may be familiar with Zillow and its popular online platform.
However, did you know that there are other sites out there that offer similar services?
In this section, we will explore the 6 best Zillow alternatives in 2023 that can help you find your dream home or investment property.
Realtor.com
Realtor.com is the third most popular real estate website in the United States, with over 18 million monthly visits (Alexa, 2019).
With a comprehensive database of listings, Realtor.com is a go-to platform for many homebuyers and sellers.
It offers detailed property information, neighborhood insights, and even a tool to estimate your mortgage payments. Whether you’re looking for a single-family home, condo, or rental property, Realtor.com has you covered.
Redfin
Redfin is another popular online real estate marketplace that prides itself on offering a more streamlined and transparent experience.
As of July 2023, Redfin.com has about 63.3 million monthly website visitors. (source: SEMrush)
It provides accurate and up-to-date listings, as well as convenient features like virtual tours and online scheduling of home tours.
Additionally, Redfin offers a team of local agents who can assist you throughout the buying or selling process.
Trulia
Trulia is the second most popular real estate website in the United States, with over 20 million monthly visits (Alexa, 2019).
Trulia, which merged with Zillow in the past, is still a viable alternative for those seeking comprehensive real estate information.
It provides detailed listings, neighborhood insights, and tools to help you calculate your potential mortgage payments.
Trulia’s user-friendly interface and mobile app make it easy to find your next home or investment property.
Homes.com
Homes.com is a user-friendly platform that offers a wide array of real estate listings, including homes for sale, rent, or auction. It also provides helpful resources such as tips for homebuyers, mortgage calculators, and a blog with informative articles on various real estate topics. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned investor, Homes.com is worth exploring.
Apartments.com
If you’re primarily interested in rental housing alternatives, Apartments.com is a great option. It specializes in connecting renters with apartments, condos, townhomes, and other rental properties across the United States. With its advanced search filters, detailed property information, and high-quality photos, you can easily find the perfect place to call home.
Craigslist
While not specifically a real estate platform, Craigslist is worth mentioning as an alternative for home buyers on a budget or those looking for unique opportunities. If you’re in search of a new home or rental property, Craigslist could be your solution.
What makes Craigslist stand out is its vast array of real estate listings – from homes for sale to land available for purchase.
Unlike other platforms, it offers properties listed directly by owners as well. While using the site might require some extra care and attention, it can prove to be a goldmine for those willing to invest time and effort into their search.
How We Evaluated the Top Zillow Alternatives
As an expert in the real estate market, evaluating the top Zillow alternatives requires a comprehensive analysis of various factors. In order to provide you with accurate and valuable information, we have taken into consideration the following criteria:
User Interface and Ease of Use:
Intuitive design and layout for a seamless user experience
2. Property Listings and Accuracy:
Large and diverse database of property listings
Up-to-date and accurate information on properties, including sale and rental listings
Users can easily narrow down their search using robust filters that include criteria like location, price, property type, and more.
4. Additional Features and Tools:
Interactive maps to visualize property locations
Virtual tours and 3D property walkthroughs
Mortgage calculators to estimate monthly payments
Neighborhood information and statistics
5. Mobile App Experience: Availability of a well-designed and feature-rich mobile app for on-the-go property search
6. Community and User Reviews:
Positive user feedback and ratings
Active community engagement and support
7. Cost and Pricing:
Transparent pricing structure with no hidden fees
Availability of free options or trial periods
Based on these criteria, we have carefully evaluated the top Zillow alternatives and narrowed down the list to provide you with the best options available in 2023.
key Takeaway: When evaluating the top Zillow alternatives, factors such as user interface, property listings, advanced search filters, additional features, mobile app experience, community and user reviews, and cost should be taken into consideration.
The Merger of Zillow and Trulia
The merger between Zillow and Trulia in 2015 was a major event within the online real estate market. This merger created a dominant powerhouse that held control over the online real estate space.
The merger not only consolidated the market, but it also created a comprehensive platform that incorporated the most desirable aspects of both Zillow and Trulia.
As a result, home buyers, sellers, and renters now have access to a single destination that provides them with abundant information and resources to navigate the real estate realm. This merger represented a significant milestone in the progression of online real estate platforms, underscoring the potential that collaboration holds within the industry.
The merger between Zillow and Trulia established a powerful presence in the online real estate market. According to Statista, as of 2021, Zillow Group platforms controlled around 38% of the U.S. online real estate traffic market share. This consolidation enabled Trulia to remain a viable option for individuals seeking comprehensive real estate information.
In the world of online real estate marketplaces, two names have long stood out: Zillow and Trulia. Known for their extensive property listings and user-friendly interfaces, these platforms have helped millions of people find their dream homes.
However, in recent years, there have been significant developments surrounding the merger of Zillow and Trulia, leading many users to search for viable alternatives. Let’s explore the details of this merger and discuss some top alternatives you can consider.
The Background of the Merger
Zillow and Trulia, both established players in the real estate industry, announced their merger in 2014. The move was aimed at combining their strengths, resources, and user bases to create a more streamlined experience for homebuyers and sellers.
By joining forces, Zillow and Trulia hoped to offer a comprehensive platform with a wider range of listings, better data accuracy, and enhanced features.
What the Merger Means for Users
As a result of the merger, Zillow and Trulia have gradually integrated their systems, databases, and functionalities.
This means that users can now enjoy a more unified experience when searching for properties or other real estate-related information. With combined listings and data, users gain access to a larger inventory of homes, enabling them to make more informed decisions.
The Impact on the Real Estate Market
The merger of Zillow and Trulia has undoubtedly made waves in the real estate market. The increased market presence of the combined entity has led to more competition and innovative offerings from other players in the industry.
This has ultimately benefited consumers by offering them more choices and driving improvement across various real estate platforms.
Exploring Zillow Alternatives
While the Zillow and Trulia merger has yielded positive outcomes, it’s always good to explore other options to ensure you find the best platform for your real estate needs. Here are a few noteworthy alternatives:
1. Redfin: This popular real estate marketplace offers a user-friendly interface, personalized search options, and a team of dedicated local agents to assist you throughout the buying or selling process.
2. Realtor.com: Supported by the National Association of Realtors, Realtor.com offers comprehensive listings and detailed property information. It also provides useful tools such as mortgage calculators and neighborhood guides.
3. Homes.com: Looking for a reliable alternative to Zillow? Look no further than Homes.com.
With its extensive selection of property listings and useful resources for both buyers and renters, Homes.com has everything you need to make informed decisions. From detailed property information to high-quality photos and virtual tours, this platform has got you covered.
Rental Housing Alternatives
These platforms offer similar features as Zillow, allowing users to explore listings, refine search results based on personal preferences, and connect with property owners or managers.
Consider the following top alternatives for rental housing.
When searching for alternative rental housing options apart from Zillow, individuals have access to several websites and platforms that can aid them in finding their next home.
These platforms provide functionalities and features similar to those of Zillow. Users can browse through available rental listings, apply filters based
1. Rent.com
Rent.com is a well-established platform renowned for its user-friendly interface and comprehensive search capabilities.
The site houses an extensive database of rental listings, enabling you to effortlessly find apartments, houses, condos, and townhomes based on your preferred location, budget range, number of bedrooms, and other specific criteria.
To facilitate informed decision-making, Rent.com offers detailed property descriptions accompanied by high-quality photos and immersive virtual tours.
2. Apartments.com
Apartments.com, a renowned website tailored to assist users in finding rental properties, stands as another favored platform.
Its purpose aligns with Zillow’s in offering a plethora of listings spanning various locations and property types.
The site enriches the user experience by providing comprehensive information on each listing, encompassing details regarding rent prices, amenities, and contact information for property owners or managers.
Additionally, Apartments.com boasts the functionality to narrow down search results according to specific preferences, allowing individuals to effectively streamline their options.
3. Realtor.com
Realtor.com, known primarily for its property marketplace, also offers a robust rental section. Within this section, you will find a comprehensive database of rental listings that includes apartments, houses, and condos in various locations.
To enhance your search experience, the platform provides advanced options that allow you to refine your results based on specific criteria like pet policies and lease terms.
Additionally, Realtor.com offers resources such as neighborhood information and mortgage calculators to empower you in making well-informed decisions.
4. HotPads
HotPads, the acclaimed rental platform, caters to providing a seamless user experience. Utilizing its user-friendly interface, HotPads enables effortless exploration of rental properties based on preferred location, price range, and property type.
The platform boasts comprehensive listings that include captivating visuals and detailed information about amenities, pet policies, and more.
Additionally, HotPads offers a convenient map-based search feature that allows users to easily visualize available rentals.
5. RentCafe
RentCafe simplifies the process of finding rental properties across various cities in the United States.
With its user-friendly platform, searching for your ideal rental is a breeze.
You can easily customize your search by filtering preferences like pet-friendly apartments, desired amenities, and specific rental prices. Furthermore, RentCafe provides comprehensive property descriptions and high-quality photos to give you a clear understanding of each rental property’s offerings.
6. Zumper
Zumper, a user-friendly platform specializing in rental properties, streamlines the process of finding your ideal apartment, house, or condo.
With its intuitive interface, Zumper empowers users to search for listings based on location, price range, and desired amenities.
Detailed property listings that encompass photos, floor plans, and virtual tours are provided for a comprehensive viewing experience. Conveniently accessible through a mobile app as well, Zumper ensures an effortless rental search while on the move.
7. ForRent
ForRent is a renowned platform dedicated to assisting renters in their search for the perfect home. It boasts an extensive collection of rental listings, allowing you to customize your search according to your preferences, including the number of bedrooms, rent range, and desired amenities.
The platform presents comprehensive property details encompassing photographs, floor plans, and contact information for property management.
Additionally, ForRent offers valuable resources like moving guides and informative articles that prove invaluable throughout your rental journey.
Does Trulia or Zillow Cost Money?
It’s essential to understand the financial aspects associated with using these platforms before diving into the world of online real estate.
Free Usage with Optional Premium Features
Luckily, both Zillow and Trulia offer free usage of their platforms for home buyers, sellers, and renters.
Users can access a wide range of features and tools without any cost. These tools include searching for homes, exploring rental listings, and even accessing valuable data about neighborhoods and school districts.
However, it’s worth mentioning that both Zillow and Trulia provide optional premium features for users who want to take their online real estate experience to the next level. These premium features typically come with a price tag, but they offer additional benefits and advantages.
Premium Features: A Closer Look
Let’s delve into some of the premium features offered by Zillow and Trulia:
1. Featured Listings: For real estate agents and professionals looking to maximize their exposure, Zillow and Trulia offer the opportunity to feature listings prominently on their platforms. This can increase the visibility and chances of selling or renting properties faster.
2. Enhanced Analytics: With premium subscriptions, Zillow and Trulia provide access to advanced analytics and insights. These powerful tools allow users to track property values, market trends, and other data-driven information crucial for informed decision-making.
3. Advertisement Options: Both platforms offer advertising options for businesses looking to connect with their target audience. Real estate agents, mortgage lenders, and related service providers can leverage these platforms to generate leads and increase brand awareness.
Making an Informed Decision
While free usage is available on Zillow and Trulia, the decision to opt for premium features ultimately depends on the user’s specific requirements and goals.
For casual home seekers or individuals starting their real estate journey, the free usage option may be sufficient. However, professionals and experienced investors may find value in the additional features offered through premium subscriptions.
“It’s important to carefully assess your real estate needs and consider the potential advantages that premium features can offer before making a financial commitment.”*
key Takeaway: While Zillow and Trulia offer free usage, they also provide optional premium features for
How Do These Real Estate Platforms Make Money
Zillow and Trulia, two popular real estate websites, have become go-to platforms for buying, selling, and renting properties.
Ever wondered how they generate revenue? This section explores the various methods these platforms utilize to monetize their services while providing value to their users.
Zillow and Trulia generate their revenue mainly through advertising and promotions. They provide real estate agents, property managers, and mortgage providers with the opportunity to advertise on their platforms.
By leveraging this advertising space, companies can effectively reach a wide audience of potential buyers, sellers, and renters. As a result, these advertising opportunities play a crucial role in contributing to their overall revenue stream.
2. Premier Agent Program
The premier agent program serves as a significant revenue source for both Zillow and Trulia. This program allows real estate agents to pay for prominent showcasing of their profiles and listings on the websites.
Such enhanced visibility substantially boosts their chances of connecting with potential buyers and sellers. By offering premium placement opportunities for a fee, Zillow and Trulia not only generate additional revenue but also support agents in expanding their businesses.
3. Zillow Offers
Zillow Offers, introduced by Zillow, is a relatively new service that provides homeowners with the convenience of selling their properties directly to Zillow. This hassle-free alternative allows homeowners to bypass the traditional listing process.
Once acquired, Zillow takes on the task of reselling these properties in the market and earns revenue through both fees and profits from the resale transactions.
Zillow and Trulia have access to extensive real estate data, which includes property values, market trends, and neighborhood information.
They use this data to provide individuals, agents, and real estate professionals with detailed insights and analysis. Offering premium features through subscriptions allows Zillow and Trulia to generate additional revenue.
5. Mortgage Services
Zillow and Trulia provide mortgage-related services, allowing users to compare rates, obtain pre-approval, or apply for mortgages directly through their platforms.
When users choose to utilize these services, Zillow and Trulia earn referral fees from the mortgage providers or lenders they partner with. This adds another income source to their business model.
6. Rental Listings and Leads
Another revenue source for Zillow and Trulia is their rental listings and leads. Landlords and property managers can advertise their rental properties on these platforms, reaching a wide audience of potential tenants.
They can also pay for leads, which are inquiries from interested renters. By offering these advertising and lead generation services, Zillow and Trulia generate additional income and provide valuable resources for both landlords and renters.
7. Partnerships and Affiliations
Zillow and Trulia have formed partnerships and affiliations with various companies in the real estate industry.
This includes collaborations with mortgage lenders, insurance providers, moving services, and home improvement professionals.
These partnerships allow Zillow and Trulia to offer additional resources and services to their users, while earning revenue through referral fees and commission-based arrangements.
8. Subscription Services
Zillow Rental Manager is a convenient tool designed specifically for landlords and property managers.
With Zillow Rental Manager, you can effortlessly advertise your rental properties on Zillow and other partner sites.
Zillow Pro offers a comprehensive set of tools designed specifically for real estate professionals.
This includes a powerful CRM system, lead generation tools, and a range of marketing materials to help agents effectively grow and manage
Zillow Group Advantage Program: This program provides real estate agents with exclusive discounts and benefits when they utilize Zillow’s services.
How many unique visitors does Zillow have each month
As of 2023, Zillow.com receives 93.2 million unique visitors per month. (source: ipropertymanagement.com)
More about Zillow and the Need to Look for Alternatives
Zillow has gained immense popularity in the real estate market, offering a comprehensive platform for buying, selling, and renting properties.
However, as the saying goes, “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket,” it is essential to explore other sites that can provide similar services and features. This section will delve deeper into Zillow and discuss the need to look for alternatives.