AI-Powered Universal Comparison Engine

Real estate platforms: Realtor.com Local Expert vs. Zillow Premier Agent 3D Home Tours

Quick Verdict

Both Realtor.com Local Expert and Zillow Premier Agent 3D Home Tours offer valuable tools and services for real estate agents looking to generate leads and enhance their marketing efforts. Realtor.com Local Expert is a good choice for agents who want to demonstrate their local expertise and use customizable ad templates. Zillow Premier Agent is a strong option for agents who want premium placement on Zillow and partner sites and a free 3D Home Tour app. The choice between the two depends on the agent's specific needs and priorities.

Key features – Side-by-Side

AttributeRealtor.com Local ExpertZillow Premier Agent 3D Home Tours
Local market expertiseHelps agents demonstrate their local expertise, understanding the nuances, culture, and lifestyle of a community.Connects real estate professionals with potential buyers and sellers. Provides agents with a platform to connect with potential clients, enhancing the overall ecosystem of the real estate marketplace.
Lead generation qualityConnects agents with eager buyers through targeted zip codes, increasing the chances of getting quality leads. Agents using Local Expert close 5X as many transactions as agents who don .Actively connects agents with motivated buyers and sellers. Premier Agents gain access to potential buyers and sellers actively searching on the platform, receiving leads via email and the Zillow app. Connects a Premier Agent partner with an active home buyer every four seconds. Zillow leads are active homebuyers, making them warm leads who are ready to connect.
Marketing and advertising supportProvides an advertising solution that helps agents get in front of more local buyers and sellers on Realtor.com, Facebook, and Instagram. Offers customizable ad templates and simplifies multichannel marketing.Guarantees premium placement of listings on Zillow and partner sites like Trulia, boosting lead generation and brand recognition. Premier Agent partners receive targeted advertising and detailed analytics and ROI reports. Provides marketing and advertising tools to help grow their business. Showcase is a marketing program that provides enhanced visibility and premium listing features.
Technology and tools providedProvides tools for lead segmentation, automated communication, and performance tracking. Integrates with popular CRM systems. Redesigned online store with enhancements to improve usability and streamline transactions.Provides a suite of tools and services, including the Premier Agent program, which connects agents with potential clients. The Premier Agent program provides access to a free website, customer relationship management (CRM), the 3D Home Tour app, and a dashboard for tracking advertising results. Platform development includes regular updates to both web and mobile applications, focusing on improving user experience, search functionality, and the integration of new features such as 3D home tours and AI-powered recommendations.
Training and coaching programsOffers training resources to help real estate professionals.Provides training and development resources. Connects you with a Zillow Rep who will give you some pointers in best ways to shoot and some constructive criticism on how your tour uploads are doing.
Customer support responsivenessAims to provide support and training to its users.Not available
Brand recognition and reputationHelps agents build brand recognition by targeting potential clients on Realtor.com, Facebook, and Instagram. Helps agents position their brand for success and attract serious buyers and sellers.Zillow is a leading online real estate platform that offers a range of services and tools to help individuals buy, sell, and rent homes. Zillow is one of the largest and most popular real estate websites in the world, with millions of visitors every month. The strong brand recognition among consumers adds an extra layer of credibility and professionalism.
Cost and commission structureLead prices depend on home values in the zip code, with more expensive areas having higher lead costs. Standalone advertising through Local Expert is also available. Advertising costs can vary based on location and market demand.Offers two different payment packages for Premier Agents. The standard plan is where agents pay upfront for a share of voice within a set zip code. The flex plan allows Premier Agents to make connections and generate leads without paying Zillow upfront. Instead, Zillow applies a success fee after closing. The price for Zillow Premier Agent leads varies by market, home values, expected connections, and more. The average cost per lead in major metro areas is $223 and $139 in non-major metros. The referral fee for all seller connection transactions is 40% for all markets, but is subject to change.
Geographic coverageAvailable in approximately 25,000 cities nationwide.Shoppers can submit tour requests in select ZIP codes in all 50 states.
Agent exclusivityIf an agent is not exclusive, leads may be sent to multiple agents.When you post an exclusive listing as a Premier Agent, you will then claim your listing. Your photo, contact information, and premier agent Zillow reviews will appear in a prominent spot at the top of your listing.
3D tour creation and hostingGenerally supports virtual tours, which can enhance listings.Provides a convenient and streamlined way to create realtor virtual tours, specifically designed for properties listed on the Zillow platform. Hosts 3D Home tours and interactive floor plans for free, which can save agents and photographers money. Plus, there's no need to worry about a tour expiring. Integrate easily with Zillow listings, MLS platforms, and social media, making it simple for realtors to showcase properties across multiple channels.
Integration with MLS and other platformsIntegrates with MLS data to ensure Local Expert ads contain accurate listing information. Works with popular CRM systems.Integrate easily with Zillow listings, MLS platforms, and social media, making it simple for realtors to showcase properties across multiple channels. Once the link is on the MLS, your client's 3D Home tour will automatically syndicate to most major real estate sites.

Overall Comparison

Realtor.com: Agents using Local Expert close 5X as many transactions. Zillow: Connects a Premier Agent partner with an active home buyer every four seconds; Average cost per lead: $223 (major metros), $139 (non-major metros); Referral fee: 40% for seller connection transactions.

Pros and Cons

Realtor.com Local Expert

Pros:
  • Demonstrates local expertise
  • Targets specific zip codes for lead generation
  • Provides customizable ad templates for multiple platforms
  • Offers tools for lead segmentation, communication, and tracking
  • Integrates with MLS and CRM systems
  • Provides detailed reporting dashboards to measure ad performance
Cons:
  • Lead costs depend on home values in the zip code
  • If an agent is not exclusive, leads may be sent to multiple agents
  • Agents are responsible for complying with state, local, and other laws pertaining to advertising

Zillow Premier Agent 3D Home Tours

Pros:
  • Connects agents with motivated buyers and sellers
  • Provides premium placement of listings on Zillow and partner sites
  • Offers a suite of tools and services, including a free website, CRM, and 3D Home Tour app
  • Provides training and development resources
  • Offers two payment packages: standard and flex
  • 3D Home Tours are free to host and integrate easily with Zillow, MLS, and social media
  • Provides detailed analytics and ROI reports
Cons:
  • Customer support responsiveness information not found
  • Cost varies by market and other factors
  • Referral fee of 40% for seller connection transactions
  • Compliance with local real estate regulations information not found

User Experiences and Feedback