Zillow & Trulia: The Real Estate Rollercoaster—What You Need to Know

We’ve all been there—sitting on the couch, scrolling through Zillow or Trulia like it’s a hobby. You start with a “just browsing” session, and next thing you know, you’re mentally rearranging furniture in a house you’ve never even stepped foot in. Before you fall head over heels for that gorgeous kitchen (or that backyard that might’ve been Photoshopped), let’s talk about why these platforms might not be your best friend when it comes to buying or selling a home.

As a real estate agent who’s seen it all, I’m here to clear things up. Let’s get into the good, the bad, and the really confusing.

The Good: What Zillow & Trulia Actually Do Well

1. Convenience
   You can scroll through hundreds of listings in your pajamas at 2 a.m. (no judgment). These sites are perfect for browsing tons of homes quickly, and you can “favorite” them with just one click. It’s like online dating—plenty of options, but no pressure.
2. Market Insights
   They give you a sneak peek into neighborhoods, price histories, and school ratings. It’s like having a friend who knows a little bit about everything, but maybe not everything you really need to know.
3. The Zestimate
   Zillow’s Zestimate is their version of a crystal ball for home values. Sometimes it’s on point, other times… not so much. It’s like guessing the price of a cake just by looking at the frosting—could be close, but could also be wayoff.

The Bad: What Zillow & Trulia Don’t Tell You

1. Outdated Listings
   You find your dream house, get all excited, and then—plot twist—it’s already sold. Zillow and Trulia can be behind on updates, leaving you staring at “the one that got away.” If you want to know what’s actually available, you need to talk to an agent.
2. Zestimates: The Home Value Guessing Game
   Zestimate might tell you a home is worth $400K when it’s really worth $350K. These tools miss out on things like recent renovations or that oddly shaped closet in the master bedroom. Trust me, you don’t want to rely on a robot for your most expensive purchase.
3. Online vs. Reality
   Zillow photos can make a house look amazing, but when you walk through the door, you might find yourself wondering if that “open-concept” space is actually a closet. Zillow and Trulia can’t show you the full vibe of a home—like whether the neighbors throw late-night karaoke parties or if the backyard is prone to flooding.

Why You Still Need an Agent

Zillow and Trulia are great tools, but they’re not the tools. Think of them like a fishing rod—they help you find the fish, but you still need a pro to reel it in.

Here’s why working with an agent is key:

• Real-time, accurate listings: I know about homes the minute they hit the market—no waiting around.
• Negotiation skills: When it comes time to make an offer or negotiate, I’ll make sure you get the best deal possible.
• Local expertise: I know which neighborhoods are trending and where the best coffee shops are located (priorities, right?).
• Personalized advice: Zillow can’t tell you about a roof that needs replacing . I’ll give you the full picture.

In the End, It’s All About Balance

Zillow and Trulia are great for browsing and getting a feel for what’s out there, but when you’re ready to make your move, you need someone who really knows the market. That’s where I come in—let’s talk and make sure you avoid any Zillow surprises along the way!

Best,