Sell House to Zillow: Is It the Right Choice?

When you decide to sell house to Zillow is required to know what this involves.

Most home sellers today know that listing a property online has become essential for attracting buyers and gauging property values, with tools like finding comparable sales or “comps” to understand market positioning.

According to the Zillow Group Consumer Housing Trends Report 2020, 65% of sellers use online resources when selling, a figure even higher among younger demographics: 86% of millennials and 66% of Gen Xers report going online to sell their homes.

Yet, making the most of these resources requires a well-planned approach, especially when considering options like iBuyers.

Services like Zillow Offers, which previously allowed homeowners to sell directly to Zillow, paved the way for modern iBuying solutions. Though Zillow no longer directly buys homes.

Companies like Opendoor and Camwood House Buyers now allow sellers to access the ease and efficiency of online, cash-offer home selling, specially in the difficult Texas real estate market.

Selling real estate online not only improves efficiency but also lets sellers retain control over the process, making it a compelling option for those with specific financial goals, timelines, and DIY interests.

How Does Zillow Offers Work?

Zillow Offers is an iBuyer service, meaning Zillow purchases homes directly from homeowners using a proprietary pricing algorithm. Here’s a step-by-step look at the process:

1. Initial Application: Homeowners interested in selling to Zillow start by submitting basic property information on Zillow’s website. This includes details like the number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and recent renovations.
2. Receive an Offer: Within a few days—sometimes as quickly as 24 hours—Zillow provides a cash offer based on its evaluation of the home’s fair market value.
3. Home Inspection: If the offer is acceptable, Zillow schedules a home inspection to ensure the property matches the information provided. Minor issues may be noted, with the option for the seller to either make repairs or let Zillow adjust the offer accordingly.
4. Final Offer: After the inspection, Zillow provides a final offer. If the seller agrees, they choose a flexible closing date, often within 60–90 days, giving them time to transition out of the home comfortably.
5. Closing and Sale Completion: On the agreed-upon date, the sale is finalized, with Zillow taking ownership and listing the home on the open market​​​.

In the case of Camwood House Buyers, you can receive a cash offer in less than 24 hours.

Pros of Selling Your House to Zillow

Selling to Zillow Offers appeals to homeowners for several reasons:

• Convenience: Sellers avoid staging, open houses, and buyer negotiations, which can be time-consuming and stressful.
• Speed: Zillow’s process typically takes less time than a traditional sale, with offers within days and a flexible closing window.
• Certainty: Selling to Zillow removes uncertainties like buyer financing issues or delays. Homeowners know upfront what they will receive without worrying about last-minute changes​​.

Cons of Selling Your House to Zillow

Despite the convenience, selling directly to Zillow may not yield the highest possible price compared to a traditional market listing. Here are some key considerations:

• Lower Offer Amount: Zillow’s offer may be 10–15% lower than what a home could potentially sell for with a real estate agent, as Zillow needs to resell the home profitably.
• Transaction Fees: Zillow’s service fee ranges around 7.5%, often higher than the traditional 5–6% commission paid to real estate agents. These fees cover Zillow’s operational costs and service model​​.

Is Selling to an iBuyer Right for You?

Selling to Zillow Offers might be ideal for certain scenarios:

• Relocation Needs: If you’re relocating for a job or personal reasons and need to sell quickly.
• Financial Flexibility: Homeowners who prioritize convenience over maximizing sale price.
• Avoiding Market Volatility: In uncertain markets, Zillow Offers provides a predictable sale value​.

Selling to Zillow vs. Selling to Camwood House Buyers

While Zillow Offers presents a streamlined alternative to traditional real estate, Camwood House Buyers can provide significant advantages:

• Fee-Free Transactions: Unlike Zillow’s fees, Camwood House Buyers covers all closing costs with no service charges, maximizing sellers’ net profits.
• As-Is Purchases: Camwood House Buyers buy houses as-is, sparing sellers from repair-related deductions.
• Quick, Local Focus: As a Texas-based company specializing in areas like San Antonio and Austin, Camwood has market-specific knowledge, offering a reliable, competitive cash offer.

Comparing Cash Offers from Zillow and Camwood House Buyers

Here’s how a cash sale through Camwood House Buyers compares to Zillow Offers:

Feature	Zillow	Camwood House Buyers
Offer Adjustments	Yes, based on inspection	Minimal adjustments, as-is offers
Service Fees	5-7.5%	None
Closing Cost Coverage	Limited	Full
Repair Deduction	Often	None
Speed of Closing	1-2 months	7 days or flexible

Tips for Maximizing Your Sale with Zillow

1. Accurate Home Information: Provide detailed and accurate information during the initial application to receive the most precise offer.
2. Evaluate Repairs: Consider making minor repairs yourself if it would result in a higher offer from Zillow.
3. Review Offer Comparisons: Check comparable local listings to understand what you might be missing out on by not listing traditionally.
4. Understand Fees: Clarify all transaction fees to calculate your net profit accurately​​.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put my listing on Zillow?

Yes, Zillow allows homeowners to post their property listings as For Sale By Owner (FSBO) or through an agent. FSBO listings enable homeowners to sell without hiring a real estate agent, saving on agent commission fees but requiring the owner to handle showings, marketing, and negotiations.

What happens when Zillow buys your house?

Once Zillow purchases your home, you complete the closing process, and Zillow takes ownership. You receive your agreed-upon funds and can move out on your chosen date. Zillow then lists and sells the property, typically making minor repairs and updates to appeal to future buyers​​.

Does it cost to advertise on Zillow?

Listing on Zillow’s For Sale By Owner platform is free for individual homeowners. Real estate agents and brokers pay for Zillow advertising, which can help them reach a wider audience.

Can I post on Zillow without a realtor?

Yes, you can list a property directly on Zillow as a FSBO, allowing you to avoid the agent’s commission fees. However, many FSBO sellers still choose to offer a commission to a buyer’s agent to increase the chances of a sale.

Does Zillow take a percentage?

If you sell your home through Zillow Offers, Zillow charges a transaction fee, typically around 7.5%, rather than taking a commission percentage. This fee is for the convenience and direct sale service that Zillow provides​.

Is Zillow a good option?

Zillow is an excellent option for sellers looking for a quick, straightforward sale without traditional market hassles. However, if maximizing sale price is essential, a traditional real estate agent might be better.

How does Zillow value your home?

Zillow determines the value of homes using an algorithm that considers multiple data points, including location, comparable property sales, and home characteristics. Zillow may adjust the offer after an in-person inspection.

Does Zillow charge to list a home?

For homeowners listing FSBO, there is no charge to list on Zillow. Real estate agents and brokers, however, may incur advertising costs for enhanced listings on the platform.

Is Zillow likely to sell accurately?

Zillow’s pricing is generally accurate based on its algorithm; however, individual home valuations can fluctuate. Sellers may receive more or less depending on the home’s unique characteristics and local market trends.

Is Zillow trustworthy?

Yes, Zillow is considered a reputable company in real estate. Their process is transparent, and they provide detailed terms to sellers, making them a reliable option for those interested in the iBuying model​​​.

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For many, selling to Zillow Offers presents a viable way to simplify the home sale process, offering speed and convenience. While there are financial trade-offs, Zillow’s approach can provide substantial peace of mind for those prioritizing a stress-free experience. Before making a final decision, carefully weigh Zillow’s offer and associated fees against the potential gains of a traditional sale to ensure it aligns with your financial goals.

If you’re interested in a fast cash sale in Texas, Camwood House Buyers is ready to provide a competitive offer. Contact us today to start your journey to a simple, satisfying home sale.