The Zillow Trap: What Homebuyers Need to Know

June 26, 2025

If you’re shopping for a home, chances are you’ve spent hours on Zillow scrolling through listings, checking Zestimates, and maybe even hitting that tempting “Request a Tour” button. But before you make your next move, there are a few things you should know that Zillow won’t tell you.

The Hidden Cost of Hitting “Request a Tour”

When you click that button on Zillow, you may assume you’re reaching out to the listing agent—the one who knows the home best. But in most cases, you’re being redirected to an agent who paid for your lead… and may not know anything about the property or the neighborhood.

Here’s the kicker: that agent often has to pay Zillow up to 40% of their commission just for the connection. That cost? It often gets passed right back to you, the buyer.

Imagine paying thousands more simply because of a tech platform’s cut. You deserve better.

Local Knowledge Matters. A Lot.

Zillow doesn’t live here. A local agent does.

Agents assigned by Zillow may not be familiar with the unique quirks of the neighborhood or local market trends. They might not know if the park down the street is a community gem or a construction zone in disguise. Working with a local expert gives you:

The Truth About “Zestimate”

Let’s talk about that eye-catching number you see next to every listing: the Zestimate. How accurate is it?

Zillow admits that the median error for off-market homes is nearly 7%. On a $400,000 home, that’s a $28,000 margin for error!

Zestimates are more accurate when:

Zestimates are less accurate when:

The bottom line? Zillow doesn’t know you refinished your basement, installed custom cabinets, or put in brand-new hardwood floors. A Zestimate is a ballpark, not a professional valuation.

So, What Should You Do?

Skip the Zillow middleman.

Instead of clicking “Request a Tour,” call the listing agent directly. You’ll get accurate information, personalized service, and representation that puts YOU first—not Zillow’s bottom line.

At The Nancy Kowalik Real Estate Group, we:

Let’s Talk

If you’re thinking about buying or selling in South Jersey, book a free consultation with our team. We’ll give you the real numbers, local insight, and no-pressure guidance so you can make informed decisions.

Don’t fall for the Zillow trap, work with the experts who live here, work here, and care about getting it right.