If you’re one of the many potential buyers in the market for a new home in Beaufort, SC, you’ve likely come across Zillow during your online searches. Zillow is a popular tool for homebuyers, but is it the best option for your needs? This blog post will compare Zillow’s offerings to those of local real estate agencies and a local agent, helping you make an informed decision.
Searching for Homes in Beaufort, SC
Beaufort, SC, is a charming coastal town with a rich history and a vibrant community. Whether you're seeking a historic home, a beachfront property, or a modern residence, Beaufort has something for everyone. But when it comes to finding the perfect home, the tools and resources you use can make a significant difference.
The Appeal of Zillow
Zillow is a well-known name in the real estate world, boasting extensive listings and a user-friendly interface. When you search for homes in Beaufort on Zillow, you’ll find a wealth of information, including photos, property details, and price estimates (Zestimates).
This makes Zillow a convenient option for getting a broad overview of the market. But when you need local knowledge and expert help use a google search for the area or neighborhood and see which local real estate websites might offer you better information.
Key Features of Zillow:
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Extensive Listings: Zillow aggregates listings from various sources, offering a comprehensive view of available properties. Most of this data comes from the listing agency the Seller of the property has hired to market and sell their property.
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User-Friendly Interface: Easy-to-navigate website and app with robust filters for refining searches.
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Zillow Zestimate: Zillow’s price estimate tool provides an estimated market home value based on public data and algorithms. This method does not always provide the most accurate information on the price range of a home's value. Just relying on computer generated pricing can produce inaccurate information.
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Zillow Premier Agent Program: Connects users with real estate agents who pay for advertising on the platform to obtain Zillow leads. So these agents pay Zillow to be on the page you are looking at and may or may not have the experience and local knowledge to help you. Researching agents on websites allows you to select and agent that is not pressured to sell you a property because they need to recoup their major investment when paying for exposure on Zillow
The Advantages of Local Real Estate Agencies And A Good Real Estate Agent
Local real estate agencies offer a more personalized and accurate approach to home buying. They provide insights and services that national platforms like Zillow simply can’t match.
Key Benefits of Local Agencies And Real Estate Professionals:
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Up-to-Date Listings: Local agencies and a local agent updates their agent listing quickly through direct access to their MLS (Multiple Listing Service) system, ensuring the best way you have access to the most current information in your search results. Using local brokers you can be more assured you are not getting inaccurate information They also know of off-market properties that are soon to come on the market. Property owners often list their property but are not quite ready to put the property on the public market. If you have an agent looking out for you they can keep abreast of the off-market homes you may have an interest in.
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Accurate Valuations: The Local real estate brokers know the real estate industry market intimately and can provide valuable service and accurate home valuations considering local market conditions, whether it is a competitive market and property improvements that Zillow’s algorithms may miss.
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Personalized Service: The right agent can offer home buyers tailored advice and support in the home search process, helping you find the right property, negotiate the best price and look out for your best interests.
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Community Expertise: Local agents who are experienced in the real estate business are deeply integrated into the community, allowing them to recommend reliable local vendors for home improvements and staging.
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Privacy and Security: Unlike Zillow, local agencies typically do not sell your data to third parties, ensuring your personal information remains confidential.
Comparative Analysis For Property Values
Let's break down the differences between using Zillow and a local real estate agency in more detail.
Data Accuracy and Timeliness
Zillow:
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Relies on data aggregated from multiple sources, which may lead to outdated incorrect information, off market or inaccurate listings.
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Zestimates are based on public records and algorithms that may not account for recent renovations or local market nuances.
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A Google search for customer reviews on Zillow will reveal some of the pitfalls for relying on Zillow.
Local Real Estate Brokerage:
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Access to real-time MLS updates ensures you see the latest listings as soon as they hit the market.
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Agents provide precise valuations based on firsthand knowledge of specific area and property conditions.
Quality of Agents
Zillow:
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Agents featured on Zillow’s Premier Agent program pay for visibility, which doesn’t guarantee they are the best fit for you.
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Risk of being paired with less experienced agents focused on recouping their advertising investment to reach potential clients.
Local Agency:
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Agents are selected based on experience, reputation, and local market knowledge.
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Opportunity to research and choose an agent with a proven track record in Beaufort. A great way to connect with a great agent.
Personalized Support and Community Insights
Zillow:
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Limited to online interactions with agents who may lack local expertise.
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No support for home preparation, staging, or local vendor recommendations.
Local Agency:
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Offers one-on-one support, guiding you through every step of the home buying process.
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Deep community ties allow agents to recommend trusted vendors for home improvements and staging.
Privacy and Security
Zillow:
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Sells leads to third-party companies, potentially compromising your privacy.
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Agents gain leads based on financial investment rather than merit or fit.
Local Agency:
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Prioritizes client confidentiality and protects your personal information.
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Connects you with agents based on their qualifications and suitability for your needs.
Conclusion
While Zillow offers a convenient and comprehensive way to browse homes in Beaufort, SC, its limitations can impact your home-buying experience. Data inaccuracies, impersonal service, and privacy concerns are significant drawbacks.
On the other hand, local real estate agencies provide up-to-date listings, accurate home valuations, personalized support, and a deep understanding of the community. By choosing a local agency, you’ll benefit from the expertise and dedication of professionals committed to helping you find the perfect home.
Ready to start your home search in Beaufort, SC? Contact us today to find out how they can help you find your dream home with ease and confidence. We own the agency and have been helping clients in the Beaufort, Bluffton and Hilton Head area for over 20 years. Deb was born and raised in Beaufort. With her knowledge and personalized service, you’ll be well on your way to making Beaufort your new home.
Posted by Russ Fielden on
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