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Zillow Hacks: How to House Hunt Like a Pro (copy)

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Zillow Hacks: How to House Hunt Like a Pro (copy)

So you’re scrolling Zillow, dreaming of walk-in closets and kitchen islands big enough to double as a dance floor. You’ve even pressed that “Tour Home” button—maybe more than once. But what happens next can feel… a bit much, right?

Let’s fix that. Here’s how to make Zillow work for you without the stress.

Step 1: Know What Happens When You Hit “Tour Home”

When you request a tour on Zillow, multiple agents might reach out. Why? Zillow sends your inquiry to several agents in your area, and they all want to help. But if you’re not ready for a flood of calls, there’s a better way: pick one agent to guide you through the process.

Think of it like this: Instead of a group project where everyone’s confused, you’ve got a personal tutor who knows exactly what you need.

Step 2: Busting the Seller Agent Myth

Some people think the agent they meet through Zillow is working for the seller. That’s not true. Here’s the deal:

  • A seller’s agent represents the homeowner. Their job? Sell the house for as much as possible.
  • A buyer’s agent (that’s who you get when you work with one Zillow agent) represents you. Their job? Help you find the right home, negotiate a great deal, and make the process smooth.

By working with a buyer’s agent, you’re getting someone in your corner who knows the market and can help you avoid overpaying or missing red flags.

Step 3: Maximize Your Zillow Search

Here are some pro tips to level up your Zillow game:

  • Turn on Alerts. Be the first to know when new homes hit the market.
  • Don’t Wait to Tour. If you love it, see it! The best homes go fast.
  • Work Smarter. A good agent can help you find homes before they hit Zillow.



Step 4: When You’re Ready to Tour

When you find a home that feels just right, here’s what to do:

  1. Save it on Zillow and send it to your agent.
  2. Avoid hitting “Tour Home” unless you want the avalanche of calls.
  3. Let your agent take care of scheduling and access—this keeps things organized and stress-free.


Final Thoughts

Zillow is a fantastic tool to help you start your search, but it’s even better when you’ve got someone to guide you through it. Whether you’re just window shopping or gearing up for your first tour, knowing how the process works puts you in control.

Happy scrolling,
Gunnar

Your Zillow Guru

P.S. Want to know more insider tips or have questions about how Zillow works? Just hit reply—I’m happy to help!

Meet Gunnar

After experiencing firsthand how stressful buying a home can be, I realized so many others feel the same way—overwhelmed, unsure, and inundated with information. That’s why I’ve made it my mission to teach people the best way to buy a home in Pittsburgh. Whether you’re just starting to browse or getting ready to make a move, I’m here to simplify the process, share insider tips, and make buying a home an exciting, stress-free experience.