I Found My Dream Home on Zillow, Now What?!

We are all guilty of it. Looking  at homes on Zillow and believing all facts about the property that the website states.. In today’s market, Zillow is a very popular platform for searching for your next home. So naturally, we take advantage of this, which is completely okay! But, it is very important to do deeper research.

 After you find your dream home on Zillow, REACH OUT to your trusted agent! If you don’t personally have an agent that you trust, ask some family or friends for a referral. Or of course, reach out to me! This is the best way to make sure that you will be represented properly as the buyer.

 I, as your agent, will look up the property and do all necessary research for you. This includes making sure the property will accept your type of financing, any HOA fees it may include, annual property taxes, etc. If you are not already pre-qualified with a mortgage lender, I will get you in contact with one immediately so that we are able to make an offer ASAP. If the property is still in your interest after doing further research, we will schedule a showing to view the home! ***Often times properties show on Zillow as “Active,” but it is currently “under-contract and accepting backups.” Although the house is actually not available, this encourages potential buyers (you) to reach out to the agent. Once the agent has their contact information, they will constantly pitch sales to the buyer. And who wants 30 calls a day from someone you don’t even know?!

In addition to the pretty photos of your future house, Zillow offers facts about the property. Sometimes these facts are not always accurate.One that specifically stands out to buyers is the estimate of what the house is worth. Almost every time I have seen an estimate, it is HIGHER than what the home is worth. However, it can also be lower based on recent work done to a house. It is very important for your agent to double check the value of the home! Duh! And even more important for you to trust them regarding the value.

Moral of the Story:

Zillow is a decent tool that everyone has access to when it comes to searching for a new home.. However, there are much more accurate ways to continue your search when you begin to get more serious about finally making an offer on your dream home.

When the time is right, have your agent or I set you up on a search that is linked directly from the MLS.  We have so many user-friendly websites these days with all correct information. You can be sent the newest listings within moments of them hitting the market! This also gives your agent more control of the listings that you view, making sure that you are only falling in love with homes that fit all your needs!

You can access my user-friendly home search website here:

https://katie.searchforhomesinarizona.com/