Zillow Group (NASDAQ:Z) is an online real estate marketplace company that operates a portfolio of consumer-facing websites and mobile apps designed to connect buyers, sellers, renters, homeowners and real estate professionals. The company’s platforms aggregate property listings, rental listings, and related information to help users search for homes, estimate property values and connect with agents and service providers. Zillow generates revenue primarily through advertising and lead-generation services for real estate professionals, property managers and mortgage lenders.
Key products and services include the Zillow and Trulia consumer websites and apps, which provide searchable listings, photos, neighborhood data and the company’s automated home valuation tool known as the “Zestimate.” Zillow also offers a rentals marketplace, a mortgage marketplace and tools for home buying and selling such as Zillow Premier Agent for agent advertising and leads, as well as ancillary services designed to support transactions, including closing and title-related offerings. The company collects and analyzes large sets of property and market data to power its products and to provide market insights and analytics to customers.
Founded in 2006 by Rich Barton and Lloyd Frink, Zillow has grown organically and through acquisitions of complementary brands focused on city- and region-specific markets. The company completed a public offering and is listed on the Nasdaq exchange under the ticker Z. Zillow’s business is principally focused on the U.S. housing market and on providing national-scale consumer reach combined with localized listing and neighborhood information.
Over time Zillow has experimented with expanded transaction services, including programs to buy and sell homes directly, and has adjusted those efforts in response to market conditions. Leadership has included co-founders with industry experience, and Rich Barton has played a leading role in the company’s executive team. Zillow continues to position itself as a technology-driven gateway to the residential real estate market, providing discovery, information and connection services across the property lifecycle.
