Zillow listing fees for FSBO homes | Zillow fees for rental listings | Cost to list with an agent on Zillow | How Zillow makes money | FAQ
Key takeaways
- Listing a home for sale on Zillow is free, but FSBO listings are hidden from general search results.
- Zillow charges a flat fee for rental listings: $4.99–9.99 per week or $14.99–29.99 for 90 days, based on your state.
- Zillow sells FSBO sellers’ information to affiliated real estate agents.
If you’re looking to sell a FSBO (For Sale By Owner) home, you can list it to Zillow for free, but that might not be the most economical choice.
- Zillow separates FSBO homes from its general search results, which greatly reduces the traffic that goes to those listings.
- FSBO homes frequently sell for lower than similar homes sold through an agent.
If you’re listing your home on Zillow to save on agent commissions, consider working with a low-commission listing agent instead. Our friends at Clever Real Estate, for example, pre-negotiate low listing fees with top-rated agents from trusted brokers. This could save you thousands of dollars without having to sacrifice on service or support.
How much are Zillow listing fees for FSBO homes?
Zillow doesn’t charge a listing fee for FSBO homes, but you may lose out on visibility.
By default, Zillow displays homes listed with agents first. Buyers have to actively adjust their search criteria to find FSBO homes.
Buyers might not know that Zillow separates FSBO listings in this way, or they’re not always motivated to search FSBO listings first, since that’s an extra step and there tend to be fewer FSBO homes.
Why does Zillow hide FSBO listings?
Zillow separates FSBO homes to comply with policy set by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), which prohibits listing of MLS and non-MLS properties together.
As of October 2022, REX Real Estate is suing to overturn NAR’s controversial policy.
🏘️ For greater visibility, consider listing on other free FSBO listing sites, such as Facebook Marketplace and Trulia to draw in more buyers.
What does it cost to list with an agent on Zillow?
Zillow doesn’t charge listing fees when you list a home with an agent. Often you and your agent won’t even have to worry about listing specifically on Zillow, as all MLS listings are automatically published to Zillow for free.
Having an agent means you’re not responsible for creating and updating every single part of your Zillow listing. In this regard, your agent can help you take care of home staging and pictures, schedule viewings and open houses, as well as take offers, and navigate negotiations and disclosures.
» SEE: What Companies Offer the Lowest Real Estate Commission Fees?
Agents will still cost you money
While listing with an agent on Zillow is free, you’ll still pay commissions to your realtor when your home sells. Additionally, you’ll also pay commissions for the buyer’s agent (if they have one).
However, you’ll likely make more money off your home sale when you list with an agent rather than doing it yourself.
According to NAR, FSBO homes sold for a median of $260,000 in 2020, while agent-assisted homes had a median price of $318,000.[citation] That $58,000 difference would eclipse whatever commissions you pay to a listing agent, which amount to 2–3% of the sale, or $6,360–9,540 for a $318,000 home.
Plus even if you did sell your home FSBO, you would still pay the commissions for the buyer’s agent, which is typically 2–3% of the final sale price.
How does Zillow make money?
Even if you never pay Zillow directly, it can still monetize your information.
Zillow sells its users’ contact information to affiliated agents. FSBO sellers are prime targets: if you’re not working with an agent now, expect an avalanche of cold calls from these Zillow agents trying to convince you to list with them.
Every listing (FSBO or not) includes a big blue “Contact Agent” button. Buyers who click this button get connected with affiliated, “Premier” agents who will then represent them in the sale.
Zillow fees for rental listings
Zillow does not charge a listing fee for the first 30 days of your first rental property.
To list beyond 30 days or more than one property, you can pay a flat fee per week or per 90 days. The exact amount you pay per week will depend on your state:
| State | Weekly fee |
| IA, KS, ND, NB | $4.99 |
| All other states | $9.99 |
| State | 90-day fee |
| HI, ID, IN, MD, NH, OR, RI, SC | $14.99 |
| AL, DC, DE, KY, MO, WY | $19.99 |
| CA, WA | $29.99 |
FAQs about Zillow listing fees
Is there a charge to post on Zillow?
There is no charge to list a home for sale on Zillow. However, if you list a property for rent, Zillow will charge you $4.99–9.99 per week, depending on your location.
How does Zillow make money?
Zillow monetizes user data and sells ad space to real estate agents. Property management companies also pay Zillow to list vacant rental properties on the site.
Related reading
Should You Avoid Listing FSBO on Zillow? Read This First. Find out the true cost of Zillow for sale by owner fees.
Read This BEFORE You Pay For A Flat-Fee MLS Service. Flat-fee MLS services give FSBO sellers market visibility.
Top 12 Best For Sale By Owner Websites. We rounded up a list of the top 12 best FSBO websites.
Top 10 Low Commission Real Estate Agents and Companies. From Clever Real Estate to Redfin, these are the best low commission real estate agents and brokers.
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