In the digital age, buying, selling, or renting a property has never been easier. Real estate websites have revolutionized the way individuals access property listings, market insights, and neighborhood information. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, a seasoned investor, or someone searching for a rental, platforms like Zillow, Redfin, and others offer a treasure trove of resources. Let’s dive into the biggest players and explore how they dominate the market.
Zillow and Trulia’s Market Dominance
Zillow (along with its subsidiary Trulia) controls over half of the real estate website market in the United States. Together, they attract nearly 67.1 million unique monthly visitors, far outpacing their closest competitors. By owning two of the top three real estate websites, Zillow Group has solidified its position as a leader in the industry, setting the standard for online property searches.
Market Share of the Top Real Estate Websites by Average Monthly Visitors (2024)
Monthly average visitors are as of 2024 (Data from SEMRush)
The 10 Largest and Most Popular Real Estate Websites
Real estate websites have become the dominant tool for consumers searching for homes, with nearly all buyers (95%) using online tools, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR). These platforms handle both advertising and distribution, making them indispensable in modern real estate. Here are the biggest players based on unique monthly visitors:
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Zillow (Monthly Visitors: 57.3 million)
Zillow is the largest real estate website in the United States, offering a vast array of listings for homes, rentals, and commercial properties. Its user-friendly interface, Zestimate® feature, and comprehensive resources make it the go-to platform for millions. Zillow also owns Trulia, further expanding its reach and dominance.
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Realtor.com (Monthly Visitors: 30.1 million)
Operated by the National Association of Realtors, Realtor.com excels in providing verified listings, neighborhood demographics, school ratings, and market trends. It’s a trusted resource for buyers and sellers alike.
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Trulia (Monthly Visitors: 9.8 million)
Owned by Zillow Group (Zillow acquired Trulia in 2015 for $3.5 billion in stock), Trulia focuses on enhancing the user experience with tools like crime maps, commute times, and neighborhood reviews. It’s a favorite for buyers and renters seeking lifestyle-specific insights.
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Redfin (Monthly Visitors: 8.3 million)
Redfin is the top-ranking website for a full-service brokerage that works directly with consumers. Known for its competitive commission rates and transparent market analyses, Redfin bridges the gap between technology and traditional brokerage services.
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Homes.com (Monthly Visitors: 4.2 million)
Homes.com simplifies the property search process with its intuitive design and robust database. It’s particularly popular for its localized approach, helping users find homes that meet specific criteria.
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Remax.com (Monthly Visitors: 4.1 million)
As the top-ranking traditional brokerage website, Remax.com integrates modern technology with decades of real estate expertise. It’s a trusted choice for buyers and sellers who value the brand’s legacy.
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Movoto (Monthly Visitors: 2.7 million)
Movoto connects users with local real estate agents and offers streamlined market insights, property listings, and home valuations, making it a reliable platform for both buyers and sellers.
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Compass (Monthly Visitors: 1.4 million)
Compass blends advanced technology with luxury real estate services. It’s a go-to for high-end buyers and sellers seeking exclusive listings and cutting-edge marketing tools.
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Point2Homes (Monthly Visitors: 1.3 million)
Focused on international and local markets, Point2Homes provides comprehensive property listings and a user-friendly interface for buyers and renters.
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Century21.com (Monthly Visitors: 1.2 million)
A legacy brand in real estate, Century21.com combines its trusted reputation with modern tools to help users explore properties and connect with agents.
How Real Estate Websites Have Changed the Industry
Before the internet, real estate marketing relied heavily on print advertisements and physical distribution of property listings. Consumers would visit local real estate offices to browse through three-ring binders of property information. However, the advent of the internet in the mid-1990s transformed the industry. Real estate portals now handle advertising and distribution simultaneously, attracting millions of visitors monthly and providing a seamless experience for buyers and sellers.
Why These Platforms Dominate
The top real estate websites earn their popularity through:
- Comprehensive Listings: Platforms like Zillow and Realtor.com offer vast databases with detailed property information.
- Innovative Tools: Features such as Zestimate®, crime maps, and virtual tours enhance the user experience.
- Accessibility: Users can search properties, explore neighborhoods, and connect with agents from the comfort of their homes.
- Trust and Transparency: Verified listings and market insights build user confidence.
Real estate websites like Zillow, Redfin, and Realtor.com have revolutionized the home-buying process by democratizing access to information and tools. With millions of visitors each month, these platforms are reshaping the industry and empowering consumers to take charge of their real estate journeys.
Cress is a leading realtor serving buyers of high-end properties in Fairfield County, CT. Founded with a commitment to redefining luxury real estate standards, Cress offers access to Fairfield County’s most coveted locations. With a focus on providing unparalleled value, service, and expertise, we combine local knowledge with high standards of excellence to deliver personalized and seamless buying experiences.
When you choose Cress to guide you through your real estate journey, we don’t just help you find your dream home — we also rebate a portion of our commission with you at closing. This rebate can be used to increase your down payment, cover closing costs, or simply put extra cash back in your pocket. It’s our way of ensuring that you get the most out of your realtor relationship.
For more information, visit www.callcress.com.
Doug Cress
(617) 281-3466
doug@cress.co
License #RES.0832278
1299 Fairfield Beach Rd.
Fairfield, CT
Enterprise Realty Inc.
License #REB.0751297
80 Huntington St.
Shelton, CT 06484