Top Real Estate Sites For Home Sellers

Are you wondering about the best sites for selling houses? Selling a house can be challenging sometimes, but the right website can simplify the process. My guide will help you choose the best platform for selling your home quickly and at the best price.

I will provide you with the following home-selling information:

• The best real estate websites for selling a house.
• Detailed comparisons of features, pricing, and pros and cons.
• Step-by-step guides and tips for listing and selling your house.

From nearly forty years of experience selling real estate, there are specific websites that are a must for home sellers. Three of my favorites are Realtor.com, Zillow, and Trulia. I call these sites the “big three in real estate.” They all get a significant amount of home buyer traffic. If you’re selling a house, these are the platforms you want to stand out in.

In the past, I have reviewed the best sites for home buyers, house rentals, and apartment renters, so I thought it was only appropriate to help sellers.

Let’s examine all the worthy details.

Overview of Selling a House Online

Choosing the right platform is crucial for a successful house sale. Various websites offer unique features, pricing structures, and support. Understanding these differences will help you make an informed decision.

Selling your house online offers a range of benefits, including greater exposure, convenience, and access to a broad audience. The Internet has revolutionized the real estate market, making it easier for sellers to reach potential buyers without relying solely on traditional methods like real estate agents or classified ads.

However, with so many platforms available, choosing the one that best suits your needs is essential. Whether you are looking for a full-service brokerage or a do-it-yourself option, these sites are crucial.

Detailed Comparisons of Top Real Estate Websites

Zillow

Features:

• Free Listings with Wide Exposure: Zillow allows users to list their homes for free, offering significant exposure to millions of potential buyers.
• Tools for Price Estimation and Market Trends: Zillow provides tools like its Zestimate, which estimates the market value of your property, helping you set a competitive price. Unfortunately, in my opinion, this is the site’s worst feature. Zillow house value estimates are rarely accurate and can be off substantially. Property values also go up and down for no reason.
• 3D Home Tours and Virtual Staging Options: Zillow offers options for creating 3D home tours and virtual staging to attract more buyers. These features can make your listing more engaging and interactive.

Pricing:

• Free Basic Listings: You can list your home for free on Zillow.
• Premier Agent Services: Zillow offers premium services through its Premier Agent program. Costs vary based on location and the level of service chosen.

Pros and Cons:

• Pros: Extensive reach, user-friendly interface, rich data analytics.
• Cons: High competition and premium services can be costly.

Realtor.com

Realtor.com is my favorite real estate site for selling homes. Its direct tie to MLSs nationwide provides a significant advantage for quickly seeing properties listed for sale.

They are undoubtedly one of the best sites for selling houses.

Features:

• MLS (Multiple Listing Service) Access: Realtor.com integrates with MLS, providing comprehensive listings and ensuring your property is seen by many agents and buyers.
• Detailed Property Information and Neighborhood Insights: Realtor.com offers detailed information on properties and neighborhoods, including school ratings, local amenities, and market trends.
• Consider Professional Photography: I highly recommend hiring a pro to do your photography. It makes a difference in selling homes quickly and for the most money possible.

Pricing:

• Free Basic Listings: Basic listings are free.
• Premium Services: Additional costs for premium services may include enhanced listings and marketing support.

Pros and Cons:

• Pros: High credibility, comprehensive listings, MLS integration.
• Cons: Limited free features, premium services can add up.

Expert tip: Your real estate agent needs to take the time to write compelling listing descriptions that appear on the site. It will attract more buyers, leading to a more profitable sale.

Redfin

Features:

• Full-Service Brokerage with Lower Commission Fees: Redfin offers a full-service brokerage model but charges lower commission fees than traditional real estate agents. However, Redfin’s business model has been focused on attracting buyers through commission rebates, and it has not been nearly as successful working with sellers.
• In-Depth Market Analysis and Pricing Tools: Redfin provides robust tools for market analysis and setting competitive prices.
• Professional Photography and 3D Walkthroughs: To make your listing more attractive, they offer high-quality photography and 3D walkthroughs as part of their service.

Pricing:

• 1%-1.5% Listing Fee: Redfin typically charges a lower listing fee than traditional agents, around 1%-1.5%, depending on the location.

Pros and Cons:

• Pros: Lower commission, high-quality service, accurate pricing tools.
• Cons: Limited coverage in some areas, less personal agent interaction.

Trulia

Features:

• Comprehensive Property Listings: Trulia provides extensive property listings with detailed information and photos.
• Neighborhood Reviews and Local Insights: Unique to Trulia, they offer reviews and insights about neighborhoods, helping buyers get a feel for the area. Trulia is one of my favorite sites for demographical data. It is a handy site for potential buyers.
• Interactive Maps for Schools, Crime Rates, and Amenities: Their interactive maps provide information on schools, crime rates, and local amenities, adding value to your listing.

Pricing:

• Free Basic Listings: You can list your property for free.
• Advertising Options: Additional paid options are available to increase visibility and reach more potential buyers.

Pros and Cons:

• Pros: Rich local data, easy navigation, suitable for market research.
• Cons: Fewer direct selling tools, relying on external agents.

ForSaleByOwner.com

If you plan on selling a house without a real estate agent, you’ll want to be listed on this respected FSBO site.

Features:

• Tools for Creating and Managing Your Listing: Forsalebyowner.com provides comprehensive tools to help you create and manage your listing without a real estate agent.
• Guidance on Pricing and Marketing Your Home: They offer resources and guides to help you set the right price and market your home effectively.
• Legal and Contract Support: FSBO provides support with legal documents and contracts, ensuring you meet all legal requirements.

Pricing:

• $99.95 for a Basic Listing: This package includes basic listing features.
• $399.95 for a Premium Package: The premium package offers enhanced features, including MLS listing and additional marketing tools.

Pros and Cons:

• Pros: Cost-effective, complete sales process control, good FSBO resources.
• Cons: Limited exposure means more responsibility to the seller.

Opendoor: The Popular Real Estate Investor Home Sales Option

Company Overview

Opendoor is a technology-driven real estate company that aims to simplify home selling and buying. Established in 2014 by Eric Wu, Opendoor uses technology to offer instant cash for homes. They are called iBuyers.

They make the real estate transaction process faster and more convenient. The company operates in numerous markets across the United States and aims to eliminate many traditional hassles associated with buying and selling homes.

It is one of the best websites for selling a home when you would like to work with an investor. They are one of the few ibuyers left.

Core Services for Home Sellers

1. Instant Offers
   • What It Is: Opendoor provides instant cash offers for homes through its online platform. Homeowners can receive an offer within minutes of submitting details about their property.
   • Process: Sellers provide information about their home, and Opendoor uses proprietary algorithms and market data to generate an offer. If the homeowner accepts, Opendoor proceeds with a home inspection.
2. Flexible Closing Dates
   • What It Is: Opendoor offers flexibility in closing dates, allowing sellers to move on their timelines.
   • Process: Once the offer is accepted, sellers can select a closing date that best suits their needs, typically 14 to 60 days.
3. No Showings or Open Houses
   • What It Is: Sellers can avoid the inconvenience of staging their homes, hosting open houses, or scheduling multiple showings.
   • Process: Opendoor purchases the home directly from the seller, eliminating the need for public showings.
4. Transparent Fees
   • What It Is: Opendoor charges a service fee for their home-buying service, which is disclosed upfront.
   • Process: The service fee typically ranges from 5% to 8% of the home’s sale price, covering the costs of repairs, relisting, and other expenses.
5. Repair Costs Covered
   • What It Is: After an inspection, Opendoor deducts repair costs from the offer price, simplifying the process for sellers.
   • Process: Instead of the seller managing repairs, Opendoor handles them post-purchase and adjusts the offer accordingly.

Benefits for Home Sellers

1. Speed and Convenience
   • Fast Offers: Receive a cash offer within minutes, bypassing the lengthy traditional sale process.
   • Quick Sales: Close the sale in as few as two weeks, significantly faster than the average market time.
2. Certainty and Control
   • Guaranteed Sale: Avoid the uncertainty of buyer financing falling through or deals collapsing.
   • Flexible Timing: Choose a closing date that aligns with personal schedules and moving plans.
3. Reduced Stress
   • No Showings: Eliminate the hassle of preparing for and conducting home showings.
   • Simple Process: Streamlined selling process managed primarily online with minimal disruptions.

How Opendoor Works for Home Sellers

1. Request an Offer
   • Visit Opendoor’s website and submit details about the home, including location, size, and condition.
2. Receive an Offer
   • Opendoor uses local market data and proprietary algorithms to generate an offer. The seller receives this within minutes to a few hours.
3. Complete a Home Assessment
   • Opendoor schedules a home inspection to assess any necessary repairs if the offer is accepted.
4. Review Final Offer
   • After the inspection, Opendoor adjusts the offer to account for repair costs. The seller reviews and either accepts or declines the revised offer.
5. Close the Sale
   • Upon acceptance, the seller selects a closing date, completes the paperwork, and receives the payment.

Market Presence and Expansion

Opendoor operates in numerous metropolitan areas across the United States, including but not limited to:

• Phoenix, AZ
• Dallas-Fort Worth, TX
• Atlanta, GA
• Raleigh-Durham, NC
• Orlando, FL

The company continues to expand into new markets, leveraging technology to streamline the home buying and selling experience nationwide.

Opendoor offers a unique, technology-driven solution for home sellers seeking a fast, convenient, and hassle-free selling process. By providing instant offers, flexible closing dates, and a transparent, straightforward transaction process, Opendoor aims to revolutionize the traditional real estate market.

How to List on These Platforms

Zillow

1. Create an Account: Sign up on Zillow to start your listing process.
2. Enter Your Property Details: Provide detailed information about your property, including size, number of rooms, and any special features.
3. Upload High-Quality Photos: Good photos are crucial. Ensure your house is clean and well-lit before taking pictures.
4. Set Your Price and Publish: Use Zillow’s pricing tools to help set a competitive price and publish your listing.

Realtor.com

Unless you are a real estate agent, you cannot list your home for sale on the site. Your home must be listed with a Realtor to appear on this popular website.

1. Sign Up for an Account: Create an account on Realtor.com.
2. Input Property Specifics: Enter detailed information about your property.
3. Add Photos and a Detailed Description: Upload professional photos and write a compelling description highlighting key features and benefits.
4. Choose Any Premium Services and List: Decide if you want to use Realtor.com’s premium services for extra visibility.

Redfin

The same is true about accessing Redfin to list your house for sale. You’ll need to be working with an agent.

1. Create an Account: Sign up on Redfin’s platform.
2. Fill in Property Information: Provide detailed property information, including measurements and unique features.
3. Schedule a Professional Photo Session: Redfin offers professional photography services to ensure your listing stands out.
4. List Your Property with the Recommended Price: Use Redfin’s market analysis tools to set a competitive price and list your property.

Trulia

1. Register an Account: Sign up on Trulia.
2. Provide Detailed Property Information: Enter comprehensive details about your property.
3. Upload Photos and Write a Compelling Description: Use high-quality photos and write a detailed, appealing description.
4. List Your Property and Consider Advertising Options: Publish your listing and consider Trulia’s advertising options for increased visibility.

ForSaleByOwner.com

When you want to sell a house without a Realtor, I would recommend this site.

1. Sign Up for an Account: Register on FSBO’s website.
2. Choose a Listing Package: Select either the primary or premium listing package.
3. Enter Property Details and Upload Photos: Provide detailed information and upload high-quality photos.
4. List Your Property and Manage Inquiries: Publish your listing and directly handle inquiries from potential buyers.

Guides and Tips for Selling a House

You must work to have excellent results even when listed on the best real estate sites. These are the basics needed for successful home sales.

Preparing Your House for Sale

• Declutter and Depersonalize: Remove personal items and unnecessary clutter to make your home more appealing to potential buyers.
• Make Necessary Repairs: Fix any noticeable issues, such as leaky faucets, broken tiles, or peeling paint, to present your home in the best light.
• Stage Your Home for Appeal: Consider hiring a professional stager or use online resources to arrange your furniture and decor attractively. Your real estate agent can be an excellent resource for providing staging tips. Usually, this will be no extra fee, but it is part of most agents’ service packages.

Effective Marketing Strategies

• Use Professional Photography: High-quality photos can significantly impact the interest in your listing. Consider hiring a professional photographer.
• Write a Compelling Listing Description: Highlight critical features and benefits, and use descriptive language to make your home sound appealing.
• Promote on Social Media and Local Groups: Share your listing on social media platforms and local community groups to reach a wider audience.

Negotiating the Best Deal

• Understand Your Local Market: Research your local real estate market to understand trends and set realistic expectations.
• Be Prepared to Counteroffer: Be ready to negotiate and counteroffer to reach a mutually beneficial agreement.
• Know Your Bottom Line: Determine your minimum acceptable price before entering negotiations to avoid underselling.

FSBO Options and Considerations

• Pros: Save on commission fees, completely control the sale process, and directly interact with buyers.
• Cons: More time-consuming and requires more effort and knowledge about the real estate market and legal processes.

User Reviews and Testimonials

Over the years, some of my clients have commented on what they liked about some of the sites I have reviewed. See what they have to say:

Zillow: “Zillow’s platform made it easy to reach many potential buyers. I sold my house in a week! I have found it to be one of the best websites for sellers since its inception.” – Jane D.

Realtor.com: “Realtor.com provided great exposure, and I felt confident using their MLS service.” – Mike P.

Trulia: “Trulia’s neighborhood insights helped me highlight the best features of my area.” – Tom H.

FAQs

Is it worth paying for premium services on these platforms? A: It depends on your needs. Premium services offer more exposure and professional assistance, which can speed up the sale process.

How do I choose the right listing price? A: Use the platform’s pricing tools and compare similar listings in your area.

Can I list on multiple platforms? A: Yes, listing on multiple sites can increase your exposure and chances of a quick sale.

What are the best practices for taking photos of my house? A: Use natural light, clean and declutter spaces, and hire a professional photographer if possible.

How do I handle inquiries from potential buyers? A: Respond promptly, be honest about your property’s features and condition, and be prepared to schedule showings.

Conclusion

Choosing the right website can significantly impact your house sale experience.

It would help if you now had a better handle on the top real estate websites, guides for listing your property, and tips for selling your house. The best real estate sites can help you have an enjoyable sales experience.

Happy selling!

About the Author: Bill Gassett, a nationally recognized leader in his field, provided the above real estate information on the best sites for selling houses. Bill has expertise in mortgages, financing, moving, home improvement, and general real estate.

Learn more about Bill Gassett and the publications in which he has been featured. Bill can be reached via email at billgassett@remaxexec.com or by phone at 508-625-0191. For the past 38+ years, Bill has helped people move in and out of Metrowest towns.

Are you thinking of selling your home? I am passionate about real estate and love sharing my marketing expertise!

I service Real Estate Sales in the following Metrowest MA towns: Ashland, Bellingham, Douglas, Framingham, Franklin, Grafton, Holliston, Hopkinton, Hopedale, Medway, Mendon, Milford, Millbury, Millville, Natick, Northborough, Northbridge, Shrewsbury, Southborough, Sutton, Wayland, Westborough, Whitinsville, Worcester, Upton, and Uxbridge Massachusetts.