When it comes to finding a new home, many people turn to online real estate websites to get a feel for the market and start their search. While there are numerous websites to choose from, three of the most popular are Zillow, Realtor, and Homes. But which one is the best for you? Here is a comparison of these three websites to help you decide.
Zillow is a real estate and rental marketplace that was founded in 2006 and is headquartered in Seattle, Washington. It allows users to search for homes, apartments, and condos for sale or rent, as well as to research real estate values and trends. One of the standout features of Zillow is its "Zestimate," which is a tool that estimates the value of a home based on various data points such as location, size, and recent sales of similar homes. While the Zestimate can be a useful tool for getting a rough idea of a home's value, it is important to note that it is not always accurate and should not be relied upon as a substitute for a professional appraisal.
Realtor is a website operated by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), a professional trade organization for real estate agents in the United States. Like Zillow, it allows users to search for homes for sale or rent, as well as to research real estate values and trends. However, one of the main differences between Realtor and Zillow is that all of the listings on Realtor are provided by real estate agents who are members of the NAR, while Zillow also includes listings from non-agent sources such as FSBO (For Sale By Owner) and new construction. This means that the listings on Realtor may be more accurate and up-to-date than those on Zillow.
Homes is a real estate search engine that was founded in 2013 and is headquartered in Santa Monica, California. Like Zillow and Realtor, it allows users to search for homes for sale or rent, as well as to research real estate values and trends. One of the unique features of Homes is its "Offerpad," which allows users to make an offer on a home directly through the website. Homes also has a partnership with Redfin, a full-service real estate company that provides additional services such as home tours and mortgage assistance.
So, which website is the best for you? It really depends on what you are looking for. If you are just starting your search and want to get a feel for the market and see what is available, all three websites can be useful. However, if you want to work with a real estate agent and have access to more accurate and up-to-date listings, Realtor may be the better choice. If you are interested in making an offer on a home directly through the website, Homes may be the best option for you. And if you want to get a rough estimate of a home's value, Zillow's Zestimate can be a helpful tool. Ultimately, the best website for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.