Posted by timokeefe at 2/11/06 12:43 p.m.

John,
Your post points out what a brilliant marketing campaign that Zillow.com is running. As I point out on my post at
houseblogger.typepad.com/houseblogger/20
06/02/on_zillowcom.htmlI think their marketing is better than their product. 63 articles and growing on Google (as you point out is impressive). The Buzz is undeniable and frankly as a marketer myself, I must say it is impressive. I have clients and family asking me about and telling me about this company that in my opinion is brilliantly pushing a flawed evaluation system.

Thanks,
Tim O'Keefe
310-533-9145
Tim@SpiderJuiceTEchnologies.com

Posted by Marlow at 2/11/06 4:37 p.m.

One thing to keep in mind, Zillow and HouseValues are selling two different products. Zillow is selling advertising. HouseValues is selling leads.

However, the similarity is that both "customers", that is, the source of the advertising revenue, are real estate agents and brokers. Agents and brokers (plus perhaps mortgage and other support businesses) will be buying ads on Zillow. And agents and brokers are the ones buying the leads from HouseValues. Homeowners just think they're the customers. Real estate professionals are the actual customers here.

Now, Zillow could start selling leads and up its income stream that way. But HouseValues, in its present form, couldn't sell advertising, as that would nullify it's program. Currently, real estate agents "subscribe" to a certain zip code on HouseValues and pay for the privilege of receiving leads when Sellers request a free home estimate.

With Zillow, homeowners can do the research themselves on their homes estimated value. With HouseValues, however, the homeowner is going to be contacted by a real estate agent.

Now, I wonder which service the average homeowner will choose to use?

Posted by unregistered user at 8/11/07 4:46 p.m.

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