Having a Presence on Zillow

Good morning Joan - I guess there is no way of getting around Zillow.

Hi Joan Cox - I recently found out my Coldwell Banker NRT company has an exclusive deal with Zillow to feature our listings and the agent. I happen to be a preferred agent as well. I personally know that my old brokerage actually tore up their contract on Zillow and none of the listings are on Zillow. IMHO, this is a big mistake. Most people I talk to go to Zillow first and pick an agent from those who are featured.

Every agent has to do what they think is right for their marketing. I don't disparage anybody for their views but, I may have a different point of view.  

You should post the town your clients are looking at.  Some of us AZ agents may know someone who could help you. I personally don't list every town in my area. 

Joan Cox There will always be agents who think top producers who sell a ton of homes are completely incapable of providing superior customer service, and that is such a myth. Sounds like sour grapes to me.

As for Z, clients go there. You can't stop clients or perspective clients from going there. If you are not there, that just gives more to your competition.

Also, when I was looking for a top producer agent in a small town, our very own Active Rain superstar, Barbara Todaro helped me out. She ran production in MLS and sent me the list. My clients were thrilled!!

Since peopel do go to Zillow, I always post my sales there (maybe not all of them, but enough to give people a flavor of what I do). That being said, can't remember the last time I got a lead or referral from Zillow. From Trulia, in the old days, yes. But not from Trulia since Zillow bought them.

Like you, I keep Zillow updated with my sales and keep my profile updated.  I just don't give them any of my money.

Joan Cox Tammy has received buyer AND seller calls from Z.... not many, but it was worth paying to be at the top of pile!!! and she has her clients post testimonials ....I think she has about 50 of them.... 

Very true, good post, the clients are on these sites and you need to be aware of that and make sure the information they receive about you is accurate.

I wish you luck in finding the right agent to refer to.  Maybe there are other methods?

Joan, Yes not every area is covered here in AR.  Had a similar situation a while back. Resorted to looking at brokerages when I googled the small town and brokerages came up connected to the town.  

Yes many people use Z because of the websites ability to fine tune searches.