Zillow has become the most popular real estate website in the US since its start in 2006. While you can list a house for sale directly on it, that’s not the most common way homes appear there.
Typically, an agent will create a listing on the multiple listing service (MLS), the most popular marketing tool for increasing exposure to your home. Then the MLS listing is automatically syndicated to real estate websites, including Zillow.
You can list directly on Zillow without an agent, but there are risks to selling on your own, including a potentially lower sale price. Homes with no agent sell for an average of $55,000 less than homes with an agent.[1]
If you want to walk away with more money in your pocket, consider alternatives like Clever Real Estate. Clever can connect you with top local agents who charge half the typical commission rate. You'll save thousands on realtor fees, while still getting expert help to sell for top dollar. Find top agents near you, save thousands on commission, and sell for more.
Can I list my house on Zillow without an agent?
You have two options to list a house on Zillow without an agent:
List on the MLS with a flat fee MLS company
A flat fee MLS company helps you list your home for sale by owner (FSBO) on the MLS without hiring a full-service real estate agent.
Instead of paying a hefty commission, you pay a one-time flat fee to get your home in front of buyers. It’s a way to save money while still getting your home listed on Zillow and other major sites, since MLS listings are automatically syndicated to them.
The cost to list on the MLS yourself is $100–1,500+, depending on the company and the plan you choose. A basic plan typically costs $100–400 and may include a 6-month listing, four or more photos, and lead forwarding. Premium plans provide support like marketing materials, longer listing times, and photo uploads, and they may cost $400–1,000, plus a small percentage of the sale price at closing.
Listing on the MLS is important because it drastically increases your home’s exposure. The MLS is used by 88% of all sellers, making it the primary platform for selling properties.[2]
🚨 Homes sold without an agent sell for less
Homes sold without an agent sell for $55,000 less on average.[3] Without an agent's expertise, it's hard to price your home right, find legit buyers, and negotiate a favorable sale price and terms. You'll want an experienced agent in your corner if you want to sell for top dollar.
If you want to avoid high realtor fees, you can work with a low-commission agent. These agents provide full service for a low 1.5% listing fee, saving sellers $7,000 on average. Find top local agents who charge just 1.5%.
List directly on Zillow yourself
Zillow has a broad reach. In 2024, its website had over 365 million monthly visits, while Realtor.com, its closest competitor, had about 142 million.[4]
But just listing on Zillow is not nearly as effective for finding buyers as listing on the MLS is. About 83% of all home sales still happen on the MLS.[5] And only 3% of FSBO sellers list directly on an FSBO site to market their home.[1]
Recent Zillow research also revealed that homes outside of the MLS sold for almost $5,000 less. In some areas, like California, it was over $30,000 less.[6] That’s because homes listed on the MLS are exposed to more potential buyers, increasing visibility and competition.
Also keep in mind that by listing directly on Zillow yourself, you’ll miss out on realtor expertise that leads to better marketing, smoother negotiations, and more efficient sales.
🔍 Zillow now shows FSBO homes automatically in search results
In search results, Zillow used to keep FSBO listings separate from listings with an agent. Buyers would have to filter results to view FSBO homes, making them harder to find.
Zillow separated the listings to follow a rule from the National Association of Realtors stating that MLS listings can't appear next to homes listed by owners or non-agents.
After four years of following this rule, Zillow changed its approach in December 2024. The change came after many MLSs started allowing commingling again, stepping away from the NAR standard. Now, FSBO homes appear automatically in Zillow search results alongside agent-assisted homes.[7]
How to list a house on Zillow: Step-by-step guide
Below is how to list a house on Zillow. The process is designed to be straightforward and user-friendly, empowering you to take control of your listing.
1. Create a Zillow account
Click the sign-in button on the top right of Zillow’s home page. If you don’t already have an account, choose the “New account” tab on the pop-up. Then, you can connect your Google, Facebook, or Apple account or create an account with an email and password.
2. Claim your home on Zillow
You can claim your home from Zillow’s free Zestimate page by entering your address, clicking “Get started,” and selecting “Claim this home” from the pop-up. Claiming your home address provides access to your Owner Dashboard, where you can track your listing views.[8]
3. Choose your selling method
While logged in, go to Zillow’s sell page. Scroll down to the “Sell your home yourself” section, and click “Post your home for sale.”
4. Start your FSBO listing
Enter and verify your home’s location.
Afterward, set your listing price and upload your home’s photos.
There’s an option to make a 3D home tour for your listing. Clicking “My 3D Homes” takes you to another page where you can view any tours you have or open the Zillow 3D Home app to create a tour.
5. Complete your home listing
Fill out your home’s details, write a listing description, set your open house schedule, and provide your contact information.
There’s also an “Additional information” section to get granular about your home’s elements.
6. Post your listing
Once you’ve completed and reviewed your home’s listing details, add your phone number and check the box to accept Zillow’s terms. Then click “Post for sale by owner.”
What happens next?
Now that you know how to list a house on Zillow, you also need to know that listings must go through a verification process before they become active. This can take up to 72 hours.
If you need to make edits to your Zillow listing:
- Click your profile icon at the top right of Zillow's website
- Select “Your Home”
- Click to view your home
- Choose the “Edit Listing” icon to make changes
Your changes won’t appear live immediately because the Zillow team reviews submitted edits.[9]
What if you want to cancel your listing? Instead of selecting “Edit Listing,” click the “More” drop-down menu and choose “Cancel Listing.”
How to list a house for rent on Zillow
You can use the same Zillow account to list a house for rent, but it's a different process from selling. Here’s how to list a house on Zillow for rent:
1. Go to Zillow Rentals
Go to the Zillow Rentals page, and click “Post your listing.”
2. Add your rental property
Before you can create a listing, you need to add your rental property. There will be three screens that ask for your basic information, property address, and location. After you add your property, click "Create Listing."
3. Fill in your property information
Zillow then takes you through a series of screens for you to provide:
- Property information
- The rental price and other details
- Property photos and 3D tours
- Amenities
- Tenant screening criteria
- Additional fees that you charge, such as parking
- Additional details renters should know about the lease terms, including whether renters need renters' insurance
- Showing availability
4. Review and publish the rental listing
You’ll have a chance to review all the information you entered before being taken to the publish page. From there, you can publish your listing.
How much does Zillow charge to list a house?
There are no Zillow listing fees, whether you’re listing a home for sale yourself or through an agent.
Zillow is also free if you’re renting out a space. You can upgrade to a premium rental listing for a one-time fee of $29.99.[10] Premium listings appear higher in search results.
The bottom line
Listing on the MLS is the best way to reach buyers. It's a go-to for buyer's agents to find homes for their clients. Your MLS listing also automatically appears across a broad range of real estate sites (including Zillow), where buyers often search for homes themselves.
Using a realtor is the simplest way to access the MLS.
Some sellers sell on their own to avoid paying agent fees. But many end up selling for much less.
For most people, a better option is working with a low-commission agent. Services like Clever Real Estate can help you find the top low-cost agents in your area. You'll get expert support to help you sell for top dollar — at half the typical commission rate.
- FSBO listings sell for 13% less on average vs. agent-assisted sales
- Clever lets you list with top local realtors for just 1.5% at closing
- Get full in-person representation, showings, pro photos, and more
FAQ
Can you list a house for sale and rent at the same time on Zillow?
Yes, you can list a property for sale and rent on Zillow if both listings come through the MLS. If you're listing directly on Zillow yourself, you can only choose one listing type at a time.
How much does it cost to list a house on Zillow?
There’s no cost to list a house on Zillow for sale or rent. You only need to pay a $29.99 rental listing fee if you want to upgrade to a premium listing.
How to list on MLS through Zillow?
You can't list your home on the MLS through Zillow. However, you can list your home on the MLS first and have it automatically syndicated to Zillow. It doesn’t work the other way around. If you want your home on the MLS, you must use a real estate agent or a flat fee MLS listing service.
Can I sell a house to Zillow?
You can’t sell your house directly to Zillow anymore because its home-buying program, Zillow Offers, ended in 2021. However, Zillow now partners with Opendoor, which buys homes for cash. You can request an offer through Zillow’s website. If your home qualifies, Opendoor may make an instant cash offer.
