Are you a real estate agent or a homebuyer looking for the right online tool to help you make informed decisions? With many options available today, figuring out where to start can take time. To help simplify your search, we’re taking an in-depth look at two leading real estate platforms.
Zillow and Trulia - and exploring what makes them different. We'll dive into everything from the active user base, market analysis tools, neighborhood insights, and listings accuracy. So stay tuned as we break down why these two sites stand out in online real estate.
Zillow and Trulia
Zillow and Trulia are the most popular real estate search platforms today. With a large base of users and extensive databases, both sites offer an array of tools to help homebuyers and agents make informed decisions about their next property purchase or sale.
On Zillow, you can access active listings in your area and view market trends, neighborhood insights, and demographic data within seconds. Zillow also offers its own proprietary Zestimate tool, which provides automated estimates for individual properties based on available data.
Trulia is similarly known for its broad catalog of listings, but the site is particularly noted for its highly-accurate listing information that comes from direct agreements with multiple listing services (MLSs). Trulia also provides detailed neighborhood guides and rental insights that help users better understand the local market.
Both sites have extensive databases, but there are some key differences to remember when comparing Zillow vs. Trulia. Let’s take a look at what sets each apart from the other.
Active User Base
Zillow boasts an active user base of over 200 million visitors per month, while Trulia has an estimated 40 million monthly visitors. While both sites offer comprehensive real estate search tools, Zillow's larger user base offers more exposure for agents and home sellers who list on the site, increasing their chances of finding the right buyer or tenant.
Market Analysis Tools
When it comes to market analysis, both Zillow and Trulia provide useful resources for agents and homebuyers alike. However, Zillow has a distinct advantage as it offers its proprietary tool - the Zestimate - which provides an automated value estimate based on individual properties' data. This can be extremely helpful in giving users an idea of their potential purchase or sale. Zillow also includes rental insights and other market trends within its platform to help users make more informed decisions about their next property purchase or sale.
Trulia’s market analysis tools are somewhat more basic but helpful for assessing local markets and gathering the latest data. The site offers detailed neighborhood guides and rental insights to help users understand the local real estate market.
Listings Accuracy
When it comes to listings accuracy, Zillow and Trulia are both reliable sources of information. However, Trulia stands out for its highly-accurate listing information, which comes directly from multiple listing services (MLSs). This gives homebuyers and agents more assurance that the details they see on Trulia come straight from the source - adding a layer of security for those searching for properties on this platform.
When comparing Zillow vs. Trulia, it's important to consider each platform's unique features and advantages. Both sites provide comprehensive search tools, detailed market insights, and accurate listings information - but each has unique features that make it stand out from the
How the real estate markets differ on each platform
When comparing real estate markets on Zillow vs. Trulia, there are some key differences to remember. On Zillow, you can access listings from all over the U.S. and internationally. In addition, the platform offers extensive market analysis tools, such as its own proprietary Zestimate tool, which provides automated estimates for individual properties based on available data.
Trulia also offers a broad selection of listings with detailed neighborhood guides and rental insights that help users better understand the local market. However, due to its agreements with multiple listing services (MLSs), the site's listing accuracy is believed to be superior to other platforms - offering homebuyers and agents more assurance that the details they're seeing are accurate and up to date.
Pros and cons of using each platform for home buying or selling
Pros
- Zillow: Offers comprehensive search tools and market analysis, including its proprietary Zestimate tool; international listings with detailed market insights.
- Trulia: Highly accurate listing information sourced directly from MLSs; a broad selection of listings with detailed neighborhood guides and rental insights for a better understanding of the local real estate market.
- Accurate and reliable listing information, comprehensive search tools, and detailed market insights.
- Both: Easy-to-use interface that makes finding the right property or buyer simple.
Cons
- Zillow: Limited rental insights compared to Trulia; Zestimate tool is an automated system that can be less accurate than manual assessment.
- Trulia: Search filters may be narrower than other platforms; limited international listings.
- Both: Potential conflicts of interest with agents listing properties on their sites rather than MLSs; fees may apply for certain features.
- Both: Lack of human interaction during the homebuying or selling process; limited access to support for users.
Both Zillow and Trulia offer reliable listing information, comprehensive search tools, and detailed market insights that can help make buying or selling a home easier.
Platforms to get the best possible deal
When using either platform for buying or selling a home, it’s important to take advantage of all the features each has to offer.
For sellers, Zillow and Trulia both provide helpful market insights that can give you an understanding of trends in the area you’re selling in - allowing you to better set a listing price and attract potential buyers. Taking full advantage of the search tools available on each platform will help get your listing seen by more buyers.
For buyers, both sites offer detailed listing information and rental insights that can help narrow your search quickly and easily. Taking time to compare different properties across multiple platforms is also recommended, as it helps give you a more comprehensive view of the market.
FAQS
Do I have to pay a fee to use Trulia or Zillow?
No, both platforms are free to use. However, fees may be associated with certain features - such as accessing agent contact information or premium listing services.
Is Trulia only for the US?
No, Trulia is available in many countries around the world. However, the selection of listings outside of the US may be more limited than what’s available domestically.
Can a non-US citizen buy property in the USA?
Yes, non-US citizens can buy property in the US as long as they meet certain requirements. These include having a valid visa or green card and proving that the purchase is for investment purposes rather than residential use. It’s also important to note that non-US citizens may be subject to additional taxes on their real estate purchases.
Conclusion
Zillow and Trulia are two of the largest real estate companies in the world. Despite their differences, they offer similar services. While both companies provide up-to-date market data, helpful filters, and access to a wide range of properties, discerning customers prefer one service over another depending on their unique needs. Though no matter what you decide, Trulia and Zillow are excellent tools for buying or selling a property.