If you think Zillow is going to steal your business, you’re probably right
2:26
The Real Estate Operator emails stalled there for a little while…
We’re back 👍😀
So let’s kick this back off…
Not a day goes by where I don’t hear from at least one real estate agent… “We let Zillow screw us…”
Maybe
Maybe not…
Think of your last client that did not come in via a referral. You found them directly, or they came in from an ad you ran or maybe a social media post.
How did Zillow affect your process with them?
Chances are they didn’t.
In fact, Zillow probably took some of the mundane work off your plate.
But Steve, don’t you hate Zillow? Just because I wouldn’t pay them, doesn’t mean I hate them. I just don’t think agents need Zillow.
Before I continue. If you are a Zillow Flex partner. Don’t cancel. Take every referral you can get, then take half of the net commission and then earmark that for your ad budget.
But Steve, I close 3 deals per month from Zillow and that would be like $9,000… I should spend that much?
Yes
You will take over the market. But it takes discipline.
Back to Zillow stealing your business.
If you think that your value to your client is in your ability to set them up on an auto search on your MLS, website, or App, then you deserve to get pushed out by Zillow.
Peace out.
I have never seen a review where the client stated that they loved the design of your MLS over ZIllow. Stop thinking that this is how you win with the client.
Don’t believe me?
Tell the next client you work with, one of the reasons they should work with you is that you will manually send them the homes they are already looking at on Zillow.
See what they say.
What do clients really want?
Protection throughout the process
Strong negotiation
Contract insights
Guidance on vendors to use
The ability to decipher micro trends in your local community
I could go on and on.
If you are stuck on Zillow, then what do you do to move on?
Build a brand.
Here is how:
Pick one social channel
Pick one specific market (city works best)
Post 3 pieces of content per day to that channel
Pick the best one every day and boost it for $40 for two days
Do that every day for 30 days ($1200 total)
Don’t vary
You’ll forget Zillow really quick and your local market will know you personally in about 2 weeks.
Don’t over complicate this and stop blaming Zillow.
Steve Olson
