Both Zillow Premier Agent and Compass offer valuable resources for real estate agents, but they cater to different needs. Zillow is ideal for agents seeking a high volume of leads and enhanced online visibility, while Compass is better suited for agents looking for a comprehensive CRM, marketing tools, and a supportive network, particularly in the luxury market.
| Attribute | Zillow Premier Agent | Compass |
|---|---|---|
| Lead Generation Quality | Connects agents with buyers/sellers, enhanced visibility on listings. Lead quality varies, some leads not serious. | Provides tools to capture leads from various sources and automatically route them into their CRM. Allows agents to connect their websites with Compass Pixel and manage lead routing based on defined rules. |
| CRM and Lead Management Features | Built-in CRM, manages leads, tracks communications, schedules follow-ups, custom reports, integrates with third-party CRMs. | Exclusive platform for affiliated agents, designed to manage client relationships, track leads, and leverage marketing and analytical tools. Features include contact management, lead management, sales pipeline tracking, and basic marketing automation. Agents can upload and organize contacts, create action plans, send bulk emails, and send client gifts. |
| Marketing and Advertising Tools | Premium placement on Zillow/Trulia, listing claiming, photos/videos, 3D Home tours, automatic advertising in ZIP codes. | Offers a Marketing Center where agents can create CMA reports, listing presentations, digital ads, listing videos, social media assets, newsletters, brochures, and postcards. Agents have access to digital ad and video tools to create video ads on Facebook and Instagram. Provides marketing support to help agents stand out in a competitive market. |
| Training and Support Resources | Business Advisor, ROI analysis, market reports, Premier Agent Forum, Premier Agent Resource Center. | Offers training through Compass Academy and Compass Sales Training and Consulting. Provides training and resources for agents to be successful and adapts based on feedback. Access to experienced mentors and coaches. |
| Commission Structure and Fees | Monthly advertising fee varies by ZIP code ($300-$500 non-metro, $1000+ metro). Flex program: referral fee upon closing (40% seller connection). | Commission splits range from 60/40 to 92.5/7.5, with no franchise/royalty fee, and agents sometimes have a cap. Monthly fees can vary by office, and a transaction fee may apply. Some top-producing agents have negotiated splits as high as 90/10. |
| Brand Recognition and Market Share | Leading online real estate marketplace, significant brand recognition, 217 million unique monthly visitors (2024), priority placement. | Largest independent real estate brokerage in the U.S.. Focuses on luxury homes in various local markets. Brand recognition is considered a significant advantage when bringing in clients. |
| Technology Platform and Mobile App | Platform and mobile app for lead/client management, team management, reminders, instant alerts, text messaging, email integration, task management (iOS/Android). | Known for its technology platform, which includes marketing and listing tools, and data-driven insights. Agents can access property and local market data via a mobile app. Aims to be a centralized hub for managing the entire home buying, renting, and selling process. |
| Agent Network and Community | Networking opportunities for referrals, partnerships, industry knowledge sharing. | Vast network of real estate experts. Fosters connections and provides resources for a smooth home sale journey. Agents report a helpful and collaborative company culture. |
| Data Analytics and Reporting | Analytics and tracking tools, detailed reports on lead volume, response rates, conversion metrics, ROI calculator, performance reports (mobile/desktop). | Offers dashboards and reports to help agents track their performance, pipeline, and client engagement. Provides data analytics services to unlock data and elevate business. Agents can access tools to generate demographic and accessibility analysis. |
| Client Relationship Tools | Text/email communication within app, "My Agent" feature for exclusive lead relationships. | Compass CRM helps in managing contacts and includes connections with email and phone for contact tracking. Client collaboration tools allow agents to share listings and market reports directly through the platform. |
| Listing Exposure and Syndication | Enhanced visibility on Zillow/Trulia/StreetEasy, priority placement, 3D home tour benefits. | Properties gain extra visibility through collaboration with other agents in the network. |
| Contract and Transaction Management | CRM includes transaction management features. | Offers a Business Tracker to manage transactions, upload paperwork, process commissions, and track payments. |
| Price | Varies. $300-$500 per month in non-metro areas and $1,000 or more in metro areas. Also offers a Flex program where agents pay a referral fee (percentage of the commission) upon closing a deal. The referral fee for seller connection transactions is 40% in all markets, but is subject to change. | Not available |
| Ratings | Overall: Not available, Performance: Not available | Not available |