There is no doubt that Zillow is one of the most popular real estate websites ever created. It is easy to use and full of helpful information. That is why so many people visit it every day. Trulia is very similar and has a clean, user-friendly design as well.
Both companies have spent millions of dollars building their websites. In 2015, Zillow bought Trulia. Many people in the real estate world thought this would make them even stronger online. But in April 2015, something happened that changed how Zillow and Trulia worked in the Triangle area and in many other parts of the country.
To understand what happened, you first need to know what an MLS is. MLS stands for Multiple Listing Service. It is a private database where real estate agents list homes for sale. Each area has its own MLS. Agents use it to share accurate and up-to-date information about homes.
Because every MLS is different, it can be hard for large national websites to collect all that data. For years, a company called ListHub gathered MLS data and shared it with websites like Zillow and Trulia. Almost every MLS in the country worked with ListHub.
In 2014, Realtor.com bought ListHub. When that happened, Realtor.com gained control over a major source of MLS data. Zillow had a contract with ListHub, but when that contract ended, it was not renewed. As a result, Zillow and Trulia stopped receiving MLS data from many areas, including the Triangle MLS.
After that, Zillow had to try to make separate agreements with hundreds of individual MLS systems across the country. Some MLS groups agreed to work with them, but many did not. In areas without an agreement, Zillow no longer receives direct MLS information.
This means that in some locations, the listings on Zillow may not be fully accurate. Some homes may already be sold but still appear online. Other homes may not show up at all. Sometimes listings are added from other sources and may not be updated quickly.
Why does this matter to you?
When you are searching for a home, accurate information is very important. Buying a house is emotional and exciting. You might spend weeks or months looking for the right home. Imagine finally finding the perfect house online, only to learn it sold months ago. That can be frustrating and disappointing.
In some cases, homes may not even appear on certain national websites, so buyers never get the chance to see them before they are sold.
So where should you look?
The best place to find the most accurate and updated listings is through a website that connects directly to the local MLS. These sites update frequently and remove homes that have already sold or expired. You can also work directly with a local real estate professional who has full access to MLS data.
National websites like Realtor.com, Trulia, and Homes.com are still options, but not all of them receive the same direct MLS data in every area. Because of this, it is always wise to double-check information with a local expert.
If you are thinking about buying or selling a home, working with someone who understands the local market can make a big difference. Accurate data, local knowledge, and personal guidance will help you make better decisions.
The more informed you are, the smoother your home search will be.