A top-requested new Zillow feature lets shoppers hide homes they've ruled out

Rhea-AI Summary

Zillow has introduced a new feature allowing users to hide homes they aren't interested in, improving their home search experience. This tool aims to declutter search results, making it easier for buyers to focus on properties that match their preferences. The number of homes for sale remains near record lows, leading to longer search times for buyers. This feature is part of Zillow's ongoing efforts to enhance user experience with personalized tools, including multi-location searches and side-by-side home comparisons.

Positive

• The new 'hide homes' feature simplifies and personalizes the home search process.
• Addresses a significant customer request, enhancing user satisfaction.
• Zillow’s continued innovation with tools like multi-location search and comparisons may improve user engagement.

Negative

• The housing market remains challenging with record low inventory, potentially impacting user experience.

SEATTLE, Sept. 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Zillow® today announced a new search feature that lets shoppers hide homes they're not interested in, thereby decluttering their screens and saving them time and energy as they search for their dream home.

Though starting to increase at a moderate rate, the number of homes for sale in the United States is still near record lows, which means finding the perfect house can take some time. Buyers recently surveyed by Zillow say it takes between two and three months to find a home.

"Home shopping can be stressful and time-consuming, and this new feature helps buyers reduce the noise and distraction so they can focus on the homes that inspire them," said Jenny Arden, Zillow's chief design officer. "This upgrade was one of the most requested features by our customers, and it gives them a great way to remove the homes from their search results that fit their filter criteria but don't necessarily match their needs or tastes."

How it works

Now available on the Zillow app, the "hide homes" tool makes the shopping experience faster, simpler and easier by allowing users to press a button on the home listing page that prevents the home from showing up in future search results. Users can also bring back a property if they change their mind.

This tool was designed to cut down on search time and will soon improve overall personalization for home shoppers. Eventually, when someone hides a property, Zillow's machine learning algorithm will automatically omit it for that user on all touch points, including home recommendation alerts and emails.

"Clicking on homes they've previously viewed but decided against and may have forgotten about during the long search process makes the house hunt process longer and more frustrating," Arden said. "This tool allows our millions of Zillow surfers the ability to 'X out' homes that they know they are not interested in touring or purchasing."

The "hide homes" tool is another of a host of newly developed features and tools on the app and website, which also include multi-location search and Homes to Compare, to help shoppers move faster and more confidently during their search and zero in on homes that fit their needs.

About Zillow Group:

Zillow Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: Z and ZG) is reimagining real estate to make it easier to unlock life's next chapter. As the most visited real estate website in the United States, Zillow® and its affiliates offer customers an on-demand experience for selling, buying, renting or financing with transparency and ease.

Zillow Group's affiliates and subsidiaries include Zillow®, Zillow Offers®, Zillow Premier Agent®, Zillow Home Loans™, Zillow Closing Services™, Zillow Homes, Inc., Trulia®, Out East®, ShowingTime®, Bridge Interactive®, dotloop®, StreetEasy® and HotPads®. Zillow Home Loans, LLC is an Equal Housing Lender, NMLS #10287 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org).

(ZFIN)

 

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SOURCE Zillow

FAQ

What is the new feature introduced by Zillow?

Zillow's new feature allows users to hide homes they are not interested in, streamlining their home search.

How does the 'hide homes' feature work?

Users can hide listings from their search results by pressing a button on the home listing page, which can be reversed if they change their minds.

Why is the 'hide homes' feature important?

This feature reduces distractions in the search process, helping buyers focus on homes that better fit their needs.

When was the 'hide homes' feature announced?

The feature was announced on September 6, 2022.

What challenges are buyers facing in the current housing market?

Buyers are dealing with low inventory of homes for sale, resulting in longer search times for suitable properties.

What other tools has Zillow introduced recently?

Zillow has also introduced multi-location searches and side-by-side comparison tools to enhance the home buying process.

What is the stock symbol for Zillow Group?

Zillow Group is traded under the stock symbols Z and ZG.