Ownerly vs Zillow in 2023: Everything You Need to Know

Ownerly and Zillow are leading platforms for accessing local housing market data. Ownerly connects homeowners with real estate agents, offering tailored home appraisals and valuable market insights through a user-friendly interface. It caters to homeowners’ unique goals, from property valuation to insurance. On the other hand, Zillow serves as a comprehensive real estate marketplace, featuring homes for sale and rent, along with mortgage calculators and affordability tools. Both platforms cater to buyers, sellers, and investors, but Ownerly focuses on homeowners, while Zillow offers a broader range of real estate resources. Let’s explore Ownerly vs Zillow in this article.

Ownerly vs Zillow – 30 Key Differences

Here is the table comparing Ownerly and Zillow based on various features:

Feature	Ownerly	Zillow
Accuracy	More accurate because it uses a detailed analysis of each house and takes into account a wide range of factors.	Good for getting a wide range of features, but not as accurate as Ownerly.
Pricing	Charges a fee of $29.99 per month after a trial period.	Free to use.
Data Privacy	Takes data privacy and security very seriously and uses state-of-the-art security measures to make sure that your data is safe.	Data privacy policy is not as clear.
User Experience	Engages homeowners with its sleek, user-friendly interface.	Offers a wider range of features and a highly graphic experience when searching for properties.
Geographic Coverage	Has a more limited geographic coverage compared to Zillow.	Covers about 75% of all homes in the country and lists homes in several Canadian cities.
Home Value Estimates	Considers a wide variety of factors like schools, local community, and crime rate to provide an estimate.	Well-established with a larger database and has much older data than Ownerly.
User-Generated Content	Values a supportive environment with user-generated content.	Community might be more focused on homeowners.
Partner Network	Profits from a subscription service, but also through its wide network of partners.	Revenue comes mainly from advertising.
Availability	Available as a web-based tool and app.	Available as a website and app.
Professional Help	Sells its user’s data to real estate agents, banks, lenders, and other professionals and companies who sign up to join their partner network.	Offers more resources for finding a real estate agent.
Company History	Founded in 2021.	Founded in 2006.
Trial Period	Offers a 7-day trial for $1 or a premium trial for $5.	Free to use.
Homeowner Information	Provides homeowners with tailored data about their local housing market.	Offers a wide range of information about homes, neighborhoods, and real estate trends.
Home Value Tracking	Offers home value tracking models that can be used in conjunction with other estimation platforms.	Offers Zestimates—estimated market value for an individual property—and lists properties in both the U.S. and Canada.
Market Analysis	Can be used in conjunction with other estimation platforms to negotiate with sellers.	Provides a list of comparable homes within the same zip code.
Real Estate Agent Ratings	Does not offer real estate agent ratings.	Offers a team of real estate agents whom users rate.
Compensation for Real Estate Agents	Does not offer compensation for real estate agents.	Offers compensation for real estate agents that correlates directly to the ratings they receive.
Home Value Estimator	Offers a home value estimator.	Offers a home value estimator known as the Zestimate.
Market Value Accuracy	Claims to be accurate to within 3.2% for on-the-market homes.	Median error rate for Zestimates is 2.4% for on-market homes and 7.49% for off-market homes.
Home Value Database	Has a smaller home value database compared to Zillow.	Has one of the largest databases of online home values, covering 104 million homes, or about 75% of all homes in the country.
Home Value Estimator Cost	Costs $29.99 per month after a trial period.	Free to use.
Home Value Estimator Trial	Offers a 7-day trial for $1 or a premium trial for $5.	Free to use.
Home Value Estimator Accuracy	More accurate than Zillow.	Not as accurate as Ownerly.
Home Value Estimator Algorithm	Considers a wide variety of factors like schools, local community, and crime rate to provide an estimate.	Based on factors including home details like square footage and number of bedrooms.
Home Value Estimator Data	Uses a proprietary formula based on public and user data.	Takes specific data into account.
Home Value Estimator User Questions	Asks a few questions, such as whether you own the home in question and details of your ownership and its sales history.	Asks for the home’s address and some basic information about the property.

Ownerly

Ownerly is an online real estate platform that doesn’t directly sell homes but offers valuable resources for homeowners considering selling. Its features include:

1. Home valuation estimates: Ownerly provides homeowners with estimated property values based on various factors, including recent sales, property details, and market trends.
2. Market analysis: Homeowners can access local real estate market data, including price trends, sale durations, and buyer demand.
3. Comparable sales reports: Ownerly offers reports on recently sold comparable properties in the area, aiding sellers in setting competitive prices.
4. Real estate agent recommendations: Ownerly can suggest suitable real estate agents for homeowners interested in selling their property.

To use Ownerly for selling your home, create an account, input your address, and receive valuable insights to make informed decisions regarding timing, pricing, and property improvements. If working with a real estate agent, share Ownerly’s data to assist in creating a tailored marketing strategy for your home.

20 Pros and Cons of using Ownerly

Pros of using Ownerly:

1. Ownerly offers homeowners tailored local housing market data.
2. The platform provides diverse services, from property valuation to insurance options.
3. Its user-friendly interface and data-driven analytics simplify data access.
4. Detailed home appraisals aid informed selling decisions.
5. A supportive community values user-generated content.
6. Ownerly is a legitimate and safe platform.
7. Worth considering as an alternative to Zillow.
8. Provides real estate agents access to potential customers.
9. Holds an A- rating with the Better Business Bureau.
10. Offers valuable insights for buyers and sellers.
11. Empowers buyers so they can feel confident with a range of home prices.
12. Assists sellers in making repair decisions before listing.
13. Helps determine the optimal listing time.
14. Potential affordability due to its evolving pricing model.
15. Focuses on collecting data from users interested in real estate.
16. Partners benefit from a steady stream of leads.
17. Partners may receive affiliate fees for referrals.
18. May offer unique features compared to established platforms.
19. Plans for future feature upgrades and expansion.
20. User data remains private and secure.

Cons of using Ownerly:

1. Limited brand recognition due to its newness.
2. Some prefer traditional agents over online platforms.
3. Uncertain future pricing compared to established platforms.
4.  Partners may not be relevant to all homeowners, so some users may not benefit from the platform’s data collection.
5. Fewer listings compared to established real estate marketplaces..
6. Limited feature set compared to established platforms.
7. Fewer reviews compared to established platforms.
8. Limited access to resources.
9. Smaller user base.
10. Limited data availability.
11. Smaller market share.
12. Lower brand recognition.
13. Limited access to funding.
14. Less experience.
15. Fewer partnerships.
16. Limited influence.
17. Smaller reach.
18. Reduced credibility.
19. Limited customer support.
20. Potential data accuracy concerns.

How Ownerly Assists in Preparing Your Home for Listing?

• Detailed Home Appraisals: Ownerly provides homeowners with comprehensive home appraisals, helping them identify areas in need of improvement.
• Enhanced Property Value: By addressing these issues, homeowners can increase their property’s value, making it more appealing to potential buyers.
• Optimal Listing Timing: Ownerly’s data-driven analytics assist homeowners in determining the best time to list their home based on market trends and other relevant factors.
• Valuable Decision-Making Tools: While there may be some drawbacks to using Ownerly, such as its relative newness or homeowner preferences for traditional agents, its detailed appraisals and analytics serve as valuable tools for making informed decisions about selling a home.

Ownerly Subscription Costs and Revenue Model

• Subscription Plans: Ownerly offers various subscription plans with costs that vary. After the trial period, the standard cost is $29.99 per month.
• Trial Tiers: There are two trial tiers available, one with a nominal fee of $1 and the other with a fee of $5. The $5 plan allows users to download PDF reports and share documents.
• Monthly Usage: Subscribing to Ownerly provides access to up to 25 reports per month.
• Annual Cost Consideration: It’s crucial to be cautious as, without careful monitoring, one could end up paying up to $360 annually to Ownerly, even if they never log into the dashboard.
• Revenue Sources: Ownerly generates revenue primarily through its subscription service but also leverages a wide network of partners.
• Data Collection Objective: Ownerly’s core goal is to gather information about individuals interested in real estate transactions, both buying and selling, and subsequently share this valuable data with relevant partners.

Ownerly’s revenue model combines subscription fees with data-driven partnerships, allowing them to provide services while also monetizing user data in a privacy-compliant manner.

Zillow

Zillow boasts one of the largest U.S. databases, encompassing homes for sale, rent, and commercial properties. Listings include detailed property information, photos, descriptions, features, and pricing.

1. Zestimates: Zillow’s proprietary property market value estimates, factoring in location, size, features, and recent sales data.
2. Market Insights: Providing market trends, neighborhood guides, and mortgage calculators, Zillow empowers informed decisions.
3. Agent Matching: Buyers and sellers are connected with local real estate agents, offering search options by location, specialty, and experience. Sellers can compare agent quotes for services and fees.

Other Features of Zillow:

• Zillow Home Loans: Facilitating borrower-lender connections for mortgage pre-approvals.
• Zillow Offers: Sellers can receive cash offers on their homes, with a quick turnaround of as little as 7 days.
• Zillow Rentals: A platform for landlords to advertise rental properties and tenants to find suitable homes.
• Zillow Talk: A community forum where users share real estate advice and pose questions.

20 Pros and Cons of Using Zillow

Pros of using Zillow:

1. Provides extensive information about homes for sale and rent, including photos, descriptions, and pricing.
2. Offers resources like mortgage calculators and affordability tools for informed decisions.
3. Zestimate tool estimates home market values, aiding buyers and sellers.
4. User-friendly interface simplifies home searches and local market information access.
5. Mobile app enables platform access from anywhere.
6. Comprehensive database includes properties for sale and rent.
7. Offers detailed neighborhood information, including schools, crime rates, and amenities.
8. Free to use for buyers and renters.
9. Provides educational resources such as articles and webinars.
10. Maintains a good industry reputation.
11. Zestimate tool is regularly updated for accurate home value estimations.
12. Available in multiple languages for a broader audience.
13. Integrated with other real estate platforms like Trulia and StreetEasy.
14. Offers various search filters for customized home searches.
15. Features to save favorite homes and receive alerts for new listings.
16. Allows users to schedule tours of homes.
17. Facilitates connections with local real estate agents.
18. Offers tools to estimate monthly mortgage payments.
19. Displays the history of a home’s Zestimate value.
20. Provides insights into the true costs of selling a home, including repairs and agent commission.

Cons of using Zillow:

1. Zestimate tool may not always provide accurate home value information.
2. The database may not include all available properties in a given area.
3. Could have fewer listings compared to more established real estate platforms.
4. Lacking some features present on more established platforms.
5. Fewer user reviews and resources may be available.
6. A potentially smaller user base may affect service quality.
7. Data may be less comprehensive compared to more established platforms.
8. Market share and brand recognition may be lower.
9. Funding and experience levels may not match more established platforms.
10. Partnerships and influence may not be as extensive.
11. Reach to a wider audience could be limited.
12. Credibility and support may not be as strong.
13. Data accuracy and privacy measures may vary.
14. Data security standards might not match those of established platforms.
15. Limited availability of certain features.
16. Potential variations in listing accuracy.
17. Limited assistance for non-English speakers.
18. User interface may have occasional glitches.
19. Limited property data in specific regions.
20. Zestimate values may fluctuate significantly.

How Zillow Assists in Preparing Your Home for Listing?

Ownerly plays a vital role in preparing homes for listing by offering a suite of services tailored to assist homeowners in their selling journey. Here are several ways in which Ownerly contributes to this process:

1. Home Appraisals: Ownerly provides comprehensive home appraisals, enabling homeowners to identify areas that require improvement before listing. By addressing these issues, homeowners can enhance their property’s appeal to potential buyers.
2. Property Valuation: Ownerly offers property valuation services, helping homeowners determine the optimal listing price. Correct pricing can attract more potential buyers and increase the likelihood of a swift sale.
3. Insurance Options: Ownerly presents insurance options that allow homeowners to safeguard their investment and experience peace of mind throughout the selling process.
4. Real Estate Agent Matching: Ownerly facilitates connections with local real estate agents, providing additional guidance and support throughout the home selling journey.
5. Community Engagement: Ownerly hosts a community forum where homeowners can seek advice, ask questions, and gain insights from experienced sellers. This resource proves invaluable, especially for those new to the selling process, as it offers guidance from peers who have navigated similar situations.

By offering these services and fostering a supportive community, Ownerly empowers homeowners with the tools and knowledge needed to prepare their homes effectively for listing and achieve successful property sales.

Zillow Subscription Costs and Revenue Model

Zillow’s Revenue Model:

Advertising:
Zillow generates revenue by charging property management companies for advertising their listings on the Zillow Rental Manager.

Premier Agent:
Zillow’s Premier Agent program provides real estate agents with a customer relationship management system to track Zillow users interested in agent services. Agents pay Zillow based on the number of ad impressions delivered to users in specific zip codes, serving as the primary revenue source.

Ad Sales to Mortgage Lenders and Other Businesses:
Zillow offers lending services through Mortgage Lenders of America and earns revenue from advertising services sold to various professionals, including rental professionals, landlords, inspectors, photographers, builders, and home improvement professionals.

Home Sales:
Zillow purchases properties from sellers and charges a 6% fee as transaction costs, coupled with a fee ranging from 3.5% to 4.5% to cover taxes and miscellaneous expenses.

Mortgages:
Zillow generates revenue from mortgage interest through Zillow Home Loans and by partnering with over 50 lenders who pay Zillow for user clicks on mortgage ads.

Subscription Costs:

• Premier Agent: Real estate agents pay variable fees based on ad impressions in specific zip codes.
• Zillow Rental Manager: Property management companies pay to advertise their listings.
• Zillow Offers: Zillow charges a 2.5% service fee for maintenance, utilities, and other expenses in home buying and selling transactions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when comparing Ownerly and Zillow, it’s evident that both platforms offer valuable resources for those involved in the real estate market. Ownerly caters primarily to homeowners, providing detailed property valuations and market insights, while Zillow offers a broader range of services, including extensive listings and mortgage tools. However, the choice between the two depends on individual needs and preferences. Ownerly excels in accuracy and data privacy, making it a reliable choice, while Zillow’s comprehensive database and market coverage make it a go-to platform for a wide array of users. Ultimately, the decision hinges on specific goals and priorities in the real estate journey.