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Traditional brokerages average a 6 percent listing fee: 3 percent from the listing agent and 3 percent from the buyer’s agent, and the buyer’s agent commission is typically paid by the seller. One of Redfin’s perks as an online brokerage is its ability to deliver discounted listing fees. Conversely, Redfin is active in over 100 “markets,” and its reach is limited by the MLS data it can access. Verdict: Zillow operates in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., meaning buyers, sellers, and renters in metro and remote areas alike can take advantage of Zillow’s services. Redfin operates in over 100 markets and has a similar number of listings as Zillow, so most users will still be able to benefit from using Redfin, but some areas may be excluded.
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This is because it pulls from the MLS, and the markets Redfin is in are where it has access to the MLS. On the other hand, Redfin only operates in specific markets or geographic areas. From metropolises to remote communities from coast-to-coast, Zillow lets users search for listings. Zillow is the country’s most visited real estate listing site, which makes sense as it lists properties from all 50 states and Washington, D.C. The ease of connecting with an agent and the agent’s engagement through the site will be of utmost importance. Real estate agent availability: Real estate listing sites often allow users to connect with agents (if they aren’t already working with one).Additional site tools and features: Are there other features that make the site stand out or provide significant value to buyers or sellers? These can be the features that make a user choose one site over the other.These estimators run on algorithms, and while they’re not as accurate as actual appraisals, they can help give sellers an idea of what a property is worth or help buyers decide what to bid. Home value estimators: Many real estate sites have built-in home value estimators.Property listings: How are property listings displayed, and what appears within the listing? Clean and intuitive interfaces are vital for ensuring users stay on the site.Renters will want to know how extensive a site’s rental listings are and if there are any specific benefits to applying for a rental on that site. Rental listings: Properties for sale are the focus of many real estate listing sites, but these sites often have sections to search for rental properties.
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