There are no Zillow listing fees, whether you’re selling for sale by owner (FSBO) or with a real estate agent. For those looking to post premium rental listings, Zillow charges $29.99.
But deciding if Zillow is the right platform for your sale involves considering several key factors. FSBO listings on Zillow come with specific challenges that could potentially impact the success of your sale:
- Limited visibility. FSBO properties aren't prominently displayed in Zillow's main search results, which may reduce the likelihood of your home attracting buyers' attention.
- Missing out on MLS. Listings don't automatically appear on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). The MLS is "the number one source for sellers to list their homes,"[1] so if your home isn't on the MLS, most buyer's agents won't see it.
- The value of realtor expertise. While hiring a real estate agent involves certain fees, their expertise often leads to higher sale prices and smoother sales processes. Last year, FSBO homes sold for a median of $310,000, almost $100,000 less than agent-assisted homes at $405,000.[2]
The good news is that you don't have to be on this journey alone.
Clever Real Estate offers a smarter way to sell your home. Partner with a top local agent and enjoy full-service support for just half the typical listing fee. Imagine saving thousands while still getting the expert guidance your home sale deserves.
» Ready to maximize your sale with minimal fees? Get connected to a Clever agent today and start the journey to a successful sale.
How much are Zillow listing fees?
| Type of listing | Cost |
|---|---|
| 1. FSBO | Free |
| 2. Agent-represented | Free |
| 3. Rental | Free |
| 4. Premium rental | $29.99 (one-time fee) |
1. Zillow FSBO fees
There are no fees to create a FSBO listing on Zillow. But there's a catch: FSBO listings are harder for buyers to find on the site.
Zillow displays agent listings by default and separates FSBO listings under a "By owner & other" filter. This move complies with a National Association of Realtors (NAR) policy that prevents MLS listings from being mixed with non-MLS properties.[3]
Because of the separation, FSBO listings on Zillow receive less exposure than agent-listed properties. In fact, Zillow found that pageviews of FSBO listings decreased by about 80–85% after the company moved those listings to a separate section of the site.[4]
While posting a FSBO listing on Zillow is free, it comes at the cost of far fewer potential buyers ever seeing that listing.
🏛️ Zillow lawsuit resolved
Zillow's policy of separating FSBO listings complies with NAR guidelines. However, the policy was controversial and a key issue in an antitrust lawsuit involving NAR and REX Real Estate. In 2023, a judge ruled that Zillow's method of displaying non-MLS listings wasn't misleading.
2. Zillow fees for listing with an agent
Real estate agents can list properties on Zillow for free. When an agent posts a home on the MLS, it automatically gets republished on Zillow and other major real estate sites.
Listing with an agent on the MLS and Zillow increases visibility, attracting 500 times more visitors than FSBO properties advertised only on Zillow. This wider exposure through the MLS leads to a much larger pool of potential buyers.
Zillow is free — but your agent isn’t
When listing with an agent, you usually have to pay realtor commission when your home sells.
The average total real estate commission is 5.32% nationwide, while listing agents earn an average commission of 2.74%, according to Clever's annual survey of realtors.
However, you can pay less without sacrificing service by using a discount real estate broker. These brokers provide services comparable to traditional firms — but at lower rates.
For example, Clever Real Estate partners with full-service listing agents who charge only 1.5%, or nearly half the average cost of hiring a listing agent nationwide. These agents can showcase your property on Zillow and other websites for maximum visibility.
Clever matches you with top local realtors from trusted brands — like Keller Williams and RE/MAX — for a discounted listing fee of just 1.5%. You get the same full service and support, but for about half the usual rate!
Ready to find the perfect agent and save thousands on commission? Enter your zip code below to get started.
3. Zillow rental listing fees
Zillow Rentals Network is a free platform allowing landlords to manage rental properties. When you sign up, your rental gets listed on Zillow, Trulia, and HotPads.
The platform also includes features for:
- Screening tenants, including background checks and income verification
- Creating leases with e-signatures
- Collecting rent through direct deposits
4. Zillow's premium rental option
The basic version of Zillow Rentals Network is free, but you can upgrade to a premium listing for a one-time fee of $29.99. According to Zillow, premium listings get increased visibility as the listings are placed higher in search results for renters searching in your area.
How to list a rental property on Zillow
1. Create a Zillow account
Create a Zillow account and check the box "I am a landlord or industry professional."
2. Find the Rental Manager
Post a rental on Zillow through Zillow’s Rental Manager, which you can find at the top of Zillow’s homepage.
3. Create your listing
Click on "Post your properties for free," and add the address and some other basic info about your rental property. Click "Create listing."
4. Upload photos and key info
Add more specific details about your listing, such as the monthly rent, size of the property, rules, tour availability, and amenities. You can also add photos and videos.
5. Publish your listing
After you verify your phone number, click "Publish Listing" at the bottom of the page. Your listing will be published on Zillow, Trulia, and HotPads.
Is listing FSBO on Zillow worth it?
Pros
- It's free to list FSBO.
- It's the most popular real estate website.
- Your listing is also syndicated to Trulia.com.
Cons
- Less visibility for listings.
- You compete with agent-listed properties.
- No agent help to screen inquiries.
Posting on Zillow is usually worth it for the online exposure.
Most home buyers (96%) use the internet to search for homes, and many start their search on Zillow. It's the biggest real estate website, with nearly 60 million monthly visitors. That's about 30 million more than Realtor.com and 50 million more than Trulia.[5]
When buyers search for homes on websites like Zillow, they often first scroll through photos from a desktop or mobile device. Then they find an agent to help them view homes in person.
However, posting FSBO on Zillow has limitations. For example, Zillow listings aren't automatically posted on the MLS. You'll need to hire a flat fee MLS listing service to do that for you. By using a flat fee MLS service, your listing will not only be posted on Zillow but also syndicated to dozens of other platforms.
FSBO homes sell for less
Recent data shows that FSBO homes tend to sell for less than homes with an agent.
- Clever Real Estate reported that in the past two years, people who sold their homes with the help of an agent pocketed almost $50,000 more on average than those who sold FSBO.
- The National Association of Realtors found that FSBO homes stay on the market longer and sell for about $100,000 less than homes sold through a realtor.[6]
If you sell FSBO, the potential loss in your sale price could outweigh the savings you would make from not paying realtor fees.
You can use an agent and save money
If you're unsure about selling FSBO, consider selling with a low-cost realtor instead. You don't have to pay high commission fees to get the support of a full-service agent.
For example, Clever Real Estate can connect you with top agents from well-known brands like Keller Williams and RE/MAX. If you move forward with an agent, you'll pay a low 1.5% listing fee instead of the standard 2.5–3%.
Your agent will ensure your home gets listed on the MLS and other key real estate sites. They'll also use their expertise and connections to help you maximize your profit.
» Connect with local agents for free, with no obligation
Tips for listing your home FSBO on Zillow
Here are the steps required to get your listing live on Zillow:
- Create a Zillow profile or log in.
- You can find your home by looking up your address on Zillow (the company's database is likely already full).
- In the Public view, click "More" → "List For Sale By Owner." If you haven’t already claimed this property, you’ll be prompted to do so before continuing.
- On the FSBO Listing page, set a list price, upload photos, write a listing description, edit home facts, and add your contact information.
- Once everything is ready, click "Post For Sale By Owner" and submit your listing for Zillow’s review.
- Before publishing your listing, Zillow will verify the information you provided — and that you actually own the property. This can take up to 72 hours.
Detailed tips on how to sell a home on Zillow can be found below.
1. Invest in professional photos
About 85% of all home buyers think photos are the most useful feature on real estate websites.[7] And a Redfin study revealed that professionally photographed homes in the $400,000 price range sold three weeks faster and for over $10,000 more than those with amateur photos.[8]
In real estate, it's crucial to make a strong first impression online. Using professional photographs to showcase your home, especially key features like a renovated kitchen or bathroom, can quicken the selling process and increase your profit.
2. Use a flat fee MLS service
You need to post your home on the MLS if you want your listing to reach a wider audience. The MLS is the top spot for listing homes, with about 86% of all sellers using it. However, only 3% of FSBO sellers list on the MLS.[9]
On Zillow, FSBO listings are usually in a separate, less popular section than agented listings. But you can get your FSBO listing on the main listing section by using a flat fee MLS service.
Like an agent, a flat fee MLS company can get your house on the MLS — and, in turn, on Zillow’s main listing directory — but it offers few other services agents provide. A flat fee MLS can cost $100–1,000, depending on the level of service.
3. Write a great listing description
Your listing description is one of the best opportunities to sell people on your home. Emphasize the unique features and selling points that make your property stand out. And make sure your description is accurate and honest to build trust with potential buyers.
Also, pay attention to details like spelling and grammar. Consider using a spell-checker or having someone review your work to ensure it's error-free and presents your home in the best light.
4. Price your home well
Pricing your home right is key. If you set the price too high, you’ll struggle to find a buyer. Too low, and you could leave thousands of dollars on the table.
Online home value estimators, like Zestimate, aren't the best way to get an accurate home value. They often fail to factor in recent upgrades or major repairs and are prone to errors.
Instead, keep an eye on what other homes are selling for near you — especially those similar to yours in size, age, and renovations. You can search Zillow to view recently sold homes in your area.
For the most accurate home pricing, consider requesting a comparative market analysis (CMA) from a realtor. A CMA considers your home's unique features, upgrades, local market trends, and recent sale prices of similar properties nearby.
5. Accept offers only from pre-approved buyers
For FSBO sellers, one of the biggest problems with Zillow is that it’s open to the public, including qualified and unqualified buyers.
On the MLS, buyers typically work with licensed agents and are often pre-approved for financing by mortgage lenders. But on Zillow, the situation is less predictable. Sometimes sellers go through inspections, negotiations, and extensive paperwork only to have the deal collapse at the last minute due to the buyer's financial instability.
6. Don’t rely on just Zillow
About 86% of sellers list their home with a licensed real estate agent or broker, while only 10% sell FSBO.[7] That means most of your competitors’ listings are likely getting published across hundreds of other websites and advertising channels, which gives them a much better chance of capturing the attention of your ideal buyer.
If you’re trying to sell your home FSBO, you’ll need to hustle — that means posting on as many sites as possible, spreading the word on social media and among family, friends, and co-workers, posting signs and passing out flyers, and doing anything else you can do to boost your home's visibility and attract local buyers.
FAQ about listing a home on Zillow
What is Zillow?
Zillow is the nation’s leading online real estate marketplace, based on monthly website traffic.
Zillow offers a wide array of products and services. However, its foremost is a massive real estate database, consisting of more than 135 million U.S. properties for sale, for rent, or off-market.
Unlike many other real estate websites, Zillow is accessible to the public. Agents, buyers, sellers, and casual browsers can use the site to view listing information, look up estimated property values (which Zillow calls "Zestimates"), assess local market conditions, and more.
How much does it cost to list on Zillow?
Listing a house FSBO on Zillow is free. It's also free to list with an agent on the site. But Zillow gives more visibility to homes listed on the multiple listing service (MLS), so keep this in mind if you sell for sale by owner. A flat fee MLS listing service will put your home on the MLS for as little as a few hundred dollars, or you can sell with a low-commission real estate agent to get the benefits of a traditional realtor for a fraction of the price.
How accurate is Zillow's pricing estimate?
Zillow Zestimates can vary in accuracy. The company reports a median error rate of 2.4% for homes currently on the market, while off-market homes have a higher median error rate of 7.49%. For a home valued at $500,000, the Zestimate could be off by $12,000–37,450.
Zillow's algorithm is based on data like square footage and number of bedrooms, but the information isn't always accurate. Also, Zillow valuations may not always reflect recent home improvements or renovations.
How does Zillow make money?
Zillow primarily generates revenue through real estate agents who buy advertising space or purchase buyer leads on its website. Zillow also makes money from networking fees when buyers connect with sellers via Zillow-affiliated agents.
Another revenue stream for Zillow is its involvement in the mortgage market through Zillow Home Loans, although this business only accounted for about 5% of its total revenue in the third quarter of 2023.
Should you claim your home on Zillow?
If you're considering selling now or in the future, claiming your property on Zillow can be beneficial. You can update property details to improve the Zestimate's accuracy, especially useful when you're ready to list your home.
Will Zillow buy my house?
No, Zillow no longer buys houses. Zillow formerly had an iBuyer program called Zillow Offers, which allowed homeowners to sell their houses directly to Zillow. This program shut down in November 2021.
Why trust us
To create this guide, we've consistently tracked Zillow's platform and policy changes, including product updates and pricing, to ensure we're up-to-date with the latest developments.
We also analyzed industry surveys from reputable sources like the National Association of Realtors (NAR) to compare selling a home FSBO on Zillow and other sites versus using the MLS directly with a realtor or through a flat fee MLS service. Additionally, we interviewed real estate experts with firsthand experience using Zillow and evaluated Zillow against other leading FSBO websites.
This article was authored by Steve Nicastro, Managing Editor at Clever Real Estate and a former real estate agent in South Carolina with extensive experience assisting home buyers, particularly with FSBO properties on Zillow. Steve is also an active real estate investor with direct experience selling properties FSBO, providing him firsthand insight into the process.
About Clever Real Estate
Clever is a free online platform that educates consumers about real estate and helps them save money when buying or selling a home. We strive to give 100% objective advice to help you make better real estate decisions.
If you have more questions about finding realtors (or Clever’s service), our licensed Concierge Team is standing by seven days a week, 7 a.m.–9 p.m. CST, at 1-833-225-3837.
