RedfinNow is suitable for sellers prioritizing speed and transparency, while Zillow Premier Agent is better for those seeking broader market access and financing options, provided they carefully vet agents and understand potential costs.
| Attribute | RedfinNow | Zillow Premier Agent |
|---|---|---|
| Offer Price Accuracy | Offers typically 5-15% below market value; some complaints about substantial drops due to errors in initial valuation. | Zestimates are estimates of a home's value based on tax history. Should be supplemented with professional appraisals for accuracy. |
| Speed of Selling Process | Offers within a few days, closing possible in 10-90 days; some sales completed in as little as seven days after accepting the final offer. | Instant Offer program aimed to provide sellers with a direct offer to purchase their house quickly. Buyers transacting directly with Zillow could benefit from vacant houses and faster closing timelines. |
| Service Fees and Commissions | Service fees ranging from 5% to 13% of the sale price, plus closing costs of 1-3%. | Agents can pay a monthly fee for leads in specific ZIP codes. Testing a 'success fee' model where agents pay 20-35% commission on successful transactions from Zillow leads. Zillow Flex charges a percentage of the commission if a transaction closes, ranging from 15% to 40% depending on the transaction price and market. Does not charge commission to list a property, but agents may have to pay the buyer's agent fees. |
| Home Inspection Process | RedfinNow organized and paid for a home inspection, typically completed within a week of accepting the initial offer. The inspection was for informational purposes and did not impact the offer price. | Not available |
| Renovation Requirements and Costs | Repair costs estimated to be between 0-3% of the offer; some sellers complained about repair requests. | Zillow sometimes makes small renovations to homes it purchases before relisting them, often at lower rates than individual sellers. |
| Geographic Availability | Operated in 31 metro regions in the U.S. | Available across the U.S. Expanding its integrated home-buying experience to a growing number of 'enhanced markets'. |
| Customer Service | Commitment to transparency and customer satisfaction contributed to a favorable customer experience. | Reported as not strong. Some users have reported issues with customer support, especially regarding lead promises and unclear contract terms. Zillow Premier Agent partners can call Partner Support for tech and app assistance. |
| Transparency | Known for its transparency. | Not available |
| Flexibility in Closing Dates | Flexible closing dates, ranging from 10-90 days; allowed customers to rent the home back for a fee after closing. | Buyers transacting directly with Zillow may benefit from more predictable closing timelines. |
| Reputation and Customer Reviews | Limited reviews due to its short lifespan; received a C- rating from the Better Business Bureau, although many complaints focused on its broader business services rather than its iBuyer program. | Mixed reviews. Some praise it for efficiency, while others criticize it for overselling agents. Zillow Premier Agents can build their reputation online through client reviews and ratings. |
| Financing Options | In early 2017, Redfin began originating and underwriting mortgages for their customers via Redfin Mortgage in the state of Texas. | Zillow Home Loans offers various financing options, including conventional, FHA, VA, USDA, and Jumbo loans. They offer various term lengths and adjustable-rate mortgages. Savings opportunities may be available for qualified customers working with a Zillow Premier Agent. |
| Agent Experience and Local Market Knowledge | Redfin employed local agents. | Positioned as local market experts. Program is designed to connect the most qualified real estate agents with potential clients. |