The Big Idea
Zillow.com today and in the future…
When the Zillow.com real estate service launched on Feb. 8, 2006, we tackled the first question most home buyers, sellers, and the curious ask: "How much is this home really worth?" Zillow calculates a Zestimate® home valuation as a starting point for anyone to see — for free — for most homes in the U.S. So, using the Zestimate as the foundation, we built a Web page for each home and then filled it with data and maps and layered it with publicly available information such as comparables and tax information. We were breaking new ground — to package all of this information in one place for everyone to see, for free.
But we didn't stop there. We then "opened up" these pages for owners and their agents to edit and add information, create their own estimates, upload photos, and post homes for sale. We also introduced a unique concept in selling with a feature called Make Me Move™, in which homeowners can set a Make Me Move price on their home because, you never know ... someone may make you an offer you just can't refuse.
So, what now? Our goal is to bring conversations about homes online and create a lively exchange of information. For years, people have been talking over backyard fences, in the grocery store lines, and in coffee shops about homes — whether they're for sale or being remodeled or they're just plain interesting. We're laying the groundwork for the Zillow community — where homeowners, buyers, sellers, and real estate professionals become a vital part of the conversation about homes.
How is Zillow different from other real estate sites out there?
Simply put, many other sites provide information in a "read-only" format; we at Zillow have opened it up for everyone to come and "write to the site" by sharing information, asking questions, and engaging in a dialogue. This give-and-take then becomes part of that home's unique history and database of information in which everyone can take part — owners, buyers, sellers, and real estate professionals. Think of it as a virtual real estate forum where everyone gathers and participates.
Consumers have asked to be empowered with real estate information and data and we have provided it. But, that doesn't mean real estate professionals have less of a role. Rather, they are just as critical in the home transaction process as ever. In fact, real estate professionals will be able to demonstrate their knowledge and expertise in a much broader way, reaching more buyers and sellers since information about their services, style, and experience can be freely accessed before millions of Zillow visitors.
This is our concept: to become a trusted, vibrant online real estate hub where everyone comes to get an edge in real estate. We hope you come, too!
