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Grab a pen and paper because what I am going to tell you will change the way you use Zillow.
First as a disclosure I advertise on Zillow because it is a great way for a mortgage professional
to build relationships with realtors and connect with buyers.
Tip#1 Finding the Right Property. Do you ever wonder why you never see celebrities, athletes,
and people of significant influence at open houses on the weekend? Tom Brady where are
you?
Chances are they have exclusive relationships with real estate agents that show them “pocket
listings” otherwise known as “ off the market listings.” As opposed to searching
Zillow for a home and going directly to the listing agent, try interviewing local agents
that have significant success in the area you want to buy. Once you found the best agent,
sign an exclusive buyer’s agreement with that agent. Without an exclusive agreement
you have very little chance of seeing the properties you really want to buy. Your agent
will not only have your best interest at heart, but will also have a good idea of what properties
are available in the area, and ones that may be coming on the market, soon.
Tip #2 Home Value. Zestimates are a great tool for a range of values, but not a specific
value. Specific value is important to ensure you are paying the right price for you home.
Zillow does not go into the home to get it’s Zestimate it uses general information to estimate
a home’s value. Any real estate agent will tell you, you need to physically look at a
property and use specific data to really know a home’s true value.
Tip #3 Properties For Sale. The real estate agents you see next to the listings for a
property on Zillow are not the listing agents most of the time. I say most of the time because
Zillow does have agreements with certain real estate companies to ensure the listing agent
is listed with the property. The listing agent will be the best resource for information
on the property and can answer any specific questions you have. If you want to meet the
listing agent go to the open house.
Here’s a bonus tip for you! Check the Facts. Zillow allows the owner to claim the home
and make changes to the property. You need a realtor on your side to double check the
facts on the property and give you an estimate on the value. Don’t go into this alone.
Contact me for a free consultation and subscribe to my Youtube Channel to keep up to date on
the latest mortgage and real estate trends.