Whether you're a landlord looking to rent out your property or a homeowner trying to sell, knowing how to list on Zillow is crucial. Zillow has become one of the most popular listing sites, attracting a vast audience of potential renters and buyers. With its free advertising services, you can reach a wide pool of interested individuals without breaking the bank. In this guide, we will walk you through the process of listing on Zillow for both rental properties and homes for sale. Let's get started.
A Table of Contents on How to List Property on Zillow
Before we dive into the specifics of listing your properties, let's first understand how Zillow works. Here's a quick overview of what we'll cover:
- How to List Property on Zillow: First Steps
- How to List a Home on Zillow for Sale
- Listing With an Agent
- For Sale by Owner Listings
- Listing a Rental Property on Zillow
- Next Steps: Reviewing Tenant Applications
- FAQs: How to List on Zillow
- How do I post a listing on Zillow?
- Does listing on Zillow cost money?
- Does Zillow automatically pull from MLS?
- Is it worth it to advertise on Zillow?
- Can I advertise open houses on Zillow?
- How Do You List a House on Zillow: A Simple Solution
How to List Property on Zillow: First Steps
Every listing site has its own process, and Zillow is no exception. Before you begin uploading your rental property data, it's essential to familiarize yourself with the platform. Follow these steps to get started:
#1: Create Your Profile
To begin, you need to create a landlord or agent profile on Zillow. Creating a profile is easy and can be done by clicking "Sign In" at the top of any Zillow page and selecting "Sign Up." Provide your email address, password, and indicate whether you are a landlord or industry professional. This information will allow you to access the necessary tools for listing on Zillow.
#2: Fill Out Your Profile
After creating your profile, it's time to complete it with relevant information. Add your full name, profile picture, and details about your business and yourself. By providing context about who you are and what you stand for, you can make a positive impression on potential tenants or buyers who visit your profile and listings.
How to List a Home on Zillow for Sale
Let's now explore how to list a home for sale on Zillow.
Listing With an Agent
When you list your property with a real estate agent, it will be automatically syndicated to Zillow through the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). MLS is a database that provides listing information to various websites, including Zillow. Your agent does not need to take any additional steps to sync the listing with Zillow. Agents with profiles on Zillow can claim the listing, making it easier for interested parties to connect with them.
For Sale by Owner Listings
If you're selling your property without an agent's help, Zillow offers a "For Sale by Owner" option. Listing a property as for sale by owner on Zillow is free. Here's how you can create a sale listing:
- Create a profile on Zillow.
- Search for your property and click "claim" to take ownership.
- Visit your home's page and select "list for sale by owner."
- Provide the sale price, contact information, home facts, and photos required for the listing.
- Your listing will undergo a review process, which usually takes up to three days. Once approved, it will be published on Zillow for potential buyers to see.
Listing a Rental Property on Zillow
Zillow is not only for home sales; it also caters to the rental property market. To ensure you reach your target market effectively, follow these steps to list a rental property on Zillow:
#1: Create Profile and Log In
Start by creating a profile on Zillow, making sure to indicate that you are an industry professional or landlord. This will grant you access to the necessary tools for listing rental properties. Fill out your profile as thoroughly as possible to make a positive first impression on potential tenants.
#2: Start Your First Listing
After creating and logging into your profile, click on "Manage Rentals" in the top menu bar, then select "Add a Property." A pop-up will appear prompting you to search for the property's address to begin the listing. Be careful when entering the address since it cannot be edited once chosen.
#3: Complete All Listing Steps
Once you've entered the address, it's time to add the property details, images, monthly rent price, and other essential information to create an appealing listing. Take high-quality photos, write a compelling description, and ensure your contact details are easily visible. A well-crafted listing will attract more interested tenants.
#4: Activate the Listing
When you've filled out all the necessary information and reviewed your listing, you can activate it. Once activated, potential tenants will start seeing the listing and contacting you. Respond promptly to any inquiries through the Zillow website or app, as some tenants may choose to reach out directly via email or phone.
#5: Revisit the Listing as Needed
Zillow offers a convenient feature for landlords - the ability to deactivate and reactivate rental listings easily. If your property gets leased, you can deactivate the listing and reactivate it when it becomes vacant again. This saves you from creating a new listing from scratch and simplifies the process of updating relevant details and photos.
Next Steps: Reviewing Tenant Applications
As potential tenants begin to show interest and submit applications, it's essential to review and screen them thoroughly. Conducting comprehensive tenant screenings, such as credit reports and background checks, will help ensure the long-term success of your rental properties. Consider utilizing screening services like RentPrep to make informed decisions about potential tenants.
FAQs: How to List on Zillow
Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about listing on Zillow:
How do I post a listing on Zillow?
If you're working with a listing agent, they will automatically syndicate the property from your local MLS to Zillow. As a homeowner selling without an agent, you can add your listing to Zillow by creating a profile, logging in, and providing all the necessary details.
Does listing on Zillow cost money?
Basic property listings on Zillow are free. Listings for properties for sale are automatically syndicated from the MLS, and homeowners can add for-sale-by-owner listings at no cost. Zillow also offers premium advertising options for a fee, which can enhance the visibility of your listings.
Does Zillow automatically pull from MLS?
Yes, Zillow pulls data from the MLS. MLS is a centralized database maintained by real estate professionals, ensuring that listing information is up to date and readily available to multiple platforms.
Is it worth it to advertise on Zillow?
Basic advertising on Zillow is free and should be utilized to attract potential renters and buyers. However, the success of paid advertising options can vary based on numerous factors such as location, target market, and price. Consider running a test campaign to gauge the effectiveness of paid ads in your area.
Can I advertise open houses on Zillow?
Yes, you can easily advertise open houses on Zillow. If your property is listed with an agent, open houses added to the MLS will be automatically synced to the Zillow listing. For for-sale-by-owner properties, you can add open house dates on the property listing page.
How Do You List a House on Zillow? A Simple Solution
Listing properties on Zillow is a straightforward process that can give your listings significant exposure. To ensure your listings stand out, remember to provide accurate information, include attractive photos, regularly update your listings, and respond promptly to all inquiries.
Now that you've learned how to list on Zillow, it's time to put these actions into practice and maximize the value of your listings. Don't hesitate to advertise on Zillow - it's an easy and cost-effective way to reach a wide audience.