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Clickbait, Cash, and Leads:

How Zillow Chooses Agents by Money, Not Merit

For over 20 years, I’ve been helping buyers and sellers across the DFW Metroplex navigate every twist, turn, and market shift in real estate. I’ve learned that experience, attention to detail, and a personal touch aren’t just nice to have—they’re what truly make the difference.

And in that time, I’ve had more than a few up-close encounters with Zillow’s shortcomings. Sure, platforms like Zillow can be a convenient starting point, but I’ve seen them get it wrong—by a lot. I’ve handled transactions where their “Zestimates” missed the real market value by tens of thousands of dollars. I’ve seen listings where the photos, property details, and even the address belonged to a completely different home.

The bigger issue? Zillow doesn’t know your neighborhood, your home’s condition, or the unique features that influence its true value. Their algorithms pull from recent sales but ignore the details that matter most to buyers and sellers. And that’s not even their real business model—Zillow isn’t in the business of selling houses; they’re in the business of selling you.

Their product is your contact information, which they sell to real estate agents, lenders, and other industry partners. The agents who buy these leads aren’t vetted in any way—the only qualification is being able to pay for them. Some may be seasoned pros, but many are inexperienced or simply desperate for business.

I know saying this will ruffle feathers—especially among agents who pay for these leads—but they’re not my concern. My responsibility, and frankly the responsibility of every agent, is to uphold the highest standards and act in the best interest of the buyer or seller. Period. Zillow’s profit model depends on selling as many leads as possible, not on accurately valuing your home or connecting you with the right professional.

Even worse, I’ve seen these platforms used as the backdrop for rental scams, preying on people who didn’t know the listing they found was inaccurate—or completely fake.

That’s where I come in. My job isn’t to “sell you” on anything—it’s to give you the real picture so you can make confident, well-informed decisions. I dig into local market trends, analyze true comparable sales, and consider every unique detail of your home (or the one you want to buy) so the numbers we work with reflect reality—not just a guess from an algorithm.

When it comes to something as important as your home, “close enough” just doesn’t cut it. Before you make a move based on a “Zestimate,” give me a call or text at  817-658-2477 (or contact an agent you already have trust in.) I’ll make sure you have the facts, not just the fluff—so you can protect your investment and make your next step with confidence.

Jill Springer - Your Texas Realtor

Jill@JillsYourRealtor.com

www.JillSpringer.com

817-658-2477