Zillow Tour This Home Feature:
What You Should Know Before Clicking
learn zillow tips and tricks
If you’ve ever looked at homes online while thinking about purchasing real estate, chances are you’ve spent some time on Zillow. It’s convenient, it’s fast, and it’s user-friendly — even for real estate professionals like me. But one of the most misunderstood features is that little blue button at the bottom of a listing: Zillow Tour This Home Feature.
At first glance, it seems straightforward — you click it to schedule a showing. But here’s the truth: clicking that button does not connect you with the listing agent or even necessarily with a highly experienced or local real estate agent. Instead, it connects you to an agent who pays Zillow for the opportunity to receive those leads.
Let’s unpack what that means and why it matters for anyone considering purchasing a home in Nevada.
The Recent Zillow Lawsuit & Why It Matters
In September 2024, news broke that Zillow is being sued for misleading consumers. When buyers click “Tour This Home,” they’re unknowingly being routed to an agent affiliated with Zillow — someone who pays the platform a hefty referral fee for that connection. Buyers aren’t informed of this upfront, and sellers are still paying their full compensation.
This lawsuit comes on the heels of the NAR settlement that reshaped how real estate agents handle buyer representation and compensation transparency. Under the new rules, buyers must now sign an agreement with their agent before touring homes, and all sources of compensation must be disclosed clearly.
What does that mean for buyers? You can’t just have one agent open a door and another agent write your offer anymore. You’ll need a buyer representation agreement with whoever shows you the property, which gives that agent the right to be compensated for the transaction.
How Zillow’s Agent Program Works
Zillow has two main programs for agents:
- Zillow Flex: Offered to large, high-producing teams. Zillow sends these teams buyer leads, and in return, agents pay a 40% or higher referral fee to Zillow when the deal closes.
- Zillow Premier Agent: Agents pay Zillow a monthly fee to appear on listings in specific ZIP codes. For example, advertising in Reno’s highly desirable 89509 ZIP code (home to beautiful historic neighborhoods and tree-lined streets) can cost over $2,700 per month for just a few potential leads.
Neither of these programs is based on merit or experience. The agent you’re connected with is simply the one who’s paid for that placement — not necessarily the best fit for you, your goals, or your local market.
What Buyers Should Know Before Clicking That Button
It’s easy to assume that Zillow pairs you with the listing agent or a vetted professional, but that’s rarely the case. When you click “Tour This Home,” you’re handing your information to a pay-to-play system. You don’t know who that agent is, what their experience level is, or how well they understand the Reno Sparks real estate market.
Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make, and the quality of your agent can make a huge difference — not just in price negotiations, but in contract terms, repair requests, and timelines. Choosing the wrong agent could cost you tens of thousands of dollars or even the home you wanted.
That’s why it’s essential to vet your agent before you sign anything or step into a showing. Ask about their experience, how they approach negotiations, and their familiarity with your target area. I’ve actually created a guide on questions to ask before hiring a real estate agent, which you can check out on my YouTube channel.
Zillow Is a Tool — But It’s Not a Matchmaker
To be clear, Zillow isn’t the villain here. It’s an incredible tool for browsing listings, researching neighborhoods, and getting inspired about what’s available in your price range. But it shouldn’t replace human connection or expertise.
The role of real estate agents has evolved — our value is no longer just about finding listings (you already have those at your fingertips). Our job is to help you interpret the market, navigate negotiations, and protect your best interests from contract to close.
So next time you’re scrolling and see the ever so tempting Zillow Tour This Home feature, pause for a second. Instead of clicking, consider reaching out to a local REALTOR® who knows Reno, Sparks, and the Northern Nevada real estate market inside and out. You deserve an advocate who’s focused on your goals — not someone paying for a lead.
If you’re thinking about living in Reno, relocating to Northern Nevada, or just want buyer advice tailored to your situation, I’d love to help you plan your next steps. You can schedule a free, no-obligation consultation here. Let’s make sure your next move is an informed one.