The Truth About Zillow Inquiries and Listing Agents

Have you ever clicked “Contact Agent” on Zillow and assumed you were messaging the person who listed the home? That assumption is usually wrong. Many homebuyers still believe inquiries go straight to the listing agent, but Zillow changed that process years ago.

You might be asking the right questions, but is the right agent getting them? Let me break down the truth behind Zillow inquiries.

How Zillow used to work. Originally, Zillow sent homebuyer inquiries directly to the listing agent. Those agents paid for the exposure and handled their own leads, simple and straightforward. But Zillow eventually shifted its model. Instead of routing inquiries to listing agents, Zillow began selling those leads to the highest bidders.

“Direct answers start with the right listing agent.”

Who are you actually contacting? Now, when you click to learn more about a property, your inquiry usually goes to a third-party brokerage, not the listing agent.

That agent may not know the seller, the property, or the details you’re asking about. They’ll have to look up everything before responding. Only in rare cases (single-digit percentages) does the inquiry reach the actual listing agent.

How to reach the real listing agent. If you want to talk directly to the agent who knows the property best, skip the portals.

• Google the property’s address and find the listing brokerage.
• Call the number on the yard sign, which is always linked to the listing agent.
• Look at the bottom of the listing page. Zillow and other portals legally list the brokerage and agent, though often in fine print.
• Search the MLS number to locate the broker’s actual website.

These extra steps ensure you reach the person who truly represents the seller.

Self-employed? Citywide’s “no doc” program could help. If you’re self-employed or own a business, start your mortgage process early. Even high earners can run into problems qualifying for loans if their tax returns show heavy write-offs. Getting your CPA and lender involved early can prevent delays or denials down the road.

One option worth knowing about is Citywide’s “no doc” program, designed for high-net-worth homebuyers who have strong credit and significant assets but complex or unconventional income documentation. This program can make financing smoother and less stressful for qualified borrowers.

Test the commute before you commit. One last piece of advice for homebuyers: drive the route from your potential new home to work during rush hour. A homebuyer once discovered their 19-minute Saturday commute turned into over an hour on weekdays. Avoid that kind of regret; test the commute before signing anything.

If you’re shopping for a home online, make sure you’re talking to the right people. And if you’re ready to take the next step, reach out to (813) 359-8990 or email info@theduncanduo.com. Let’s make sure you’re getting real answers and the guidance you actually need.