Realtor.com vs FSBO on Zillow
Thinking of listing your home FSBO? Here’s why Zillow’s FSBO section doesn’t deliver the same results as a proper MLS listing syndicated to Realtor.com.
🔍 FSBO Listings on Zillow vs Realtor.com
Realtor.com only displays homes listed through the MLS. That means all properties shown have been verified, properly updated, and professionally listed — even if they’re FSBO.
In contrast, Zillow allows manual FSBO uploads, which do not pass through the MLS. These listings are not subject to the same rules, don’t show up in Realtor.com, and often sit in a separate "By Owner" section that few buyers check.
🟦 Why Agents — and Buyers — Overlook Zillow FSBOs
Zillow separates FSBO listings from agent-listed homes, placing them in a secondary "By Owner" section that most buyers overlook. These listings do not appear alongside MLS listings in the main search results — reducing exposure.
Even worse, Zillow’s FSBO section is often outdated or inaccurate. Because there's no oversight, owners may forget to update the listing after the home sells or goes under contract. This creates frustration for buyers and makes FSBO listings seem unreliable.
We get this question all the time:
"If I list with Brokerless, will my home show up with the agent listings — or in the FSBO section?"
✅ When you list with Brokerless, your property is placed in the MLS section — not buried in the FSBO tab. That means full visibility on Zillow, Realtor.com, Redfin, Trulia, and hundreds of other platforms — right alongside traditional listings.
📊 Key Differences Summary
- Zillow FSBO: Manually uploaded, appears in “Other” tab, often outdated
- Realtor.com: MLS-only listings, updated daily, used by serious buyers and agents
- Brokerless: MLS listing → syndicated to both platforms with no commission