ZILLOW GROUP INC - ZG STOCK NEWS

Zillow Group (NASDAQ: Z, ZG) announced an unsolicited mini-tender offer from TRC Capital to purchase up to 2 million shares of its Class C capital stock at $61.20 per share, which is 4.3% below the stock's last closing price of $63.95 on November 12, 2021. Zillow Group advises shareholders to reject the offer, highlighting that tendering would result in a below-market price and urging caution with mini-tender offers due to potential pitfalls. TRC Capital's offer is contingent on various conditions, including obtaining financing.

The November 2021 report by Zillow reveals trends in For Sale By Owner (FSBO) listings, which make up 4-6% of national home listings. FSBO homes, averaging $292,810, are generally 18% cheaper than agent-listed homes at $355,777. The report highlights that 24% of rural sellers opted for FSBO, with lower-income households more likely to sell without agents. In certain states, FSBO properties are 19-25% less expensive than agent-listed homes. This trend indicates the importance of FSBO options in today's housing market.

Zillow's latest market report indicates a moderation in the housing market following a period of intense demand. Home values rose 1.3% in October, down from a peak of 2% in July, with the U.S. median home value now at $312,728. Annual growth is at 19.2%, the highest since 2000. Listings are taking longer to sell, with inventory down 17.4% year-over-year. Rent growth is also slowing, at 0.8% month-over-month. The competitive landscape is easing, providing buyers with more time and potentially lower prices.

The Thanksgiving kitchen is under pressure, and Zillow's research shows that certain high-end features significantly enhance homes' resale value. Key findings include:

• Steam ovens can increase selling prices by 4.9%.
• Butcher blocks sell homes 2.7% higher and faster by four days.
• Smart appliances command a 3.0% price increase.
• Quartz countertops add 3.2% in value.
• Dual-fuel ranges can raise sale prices by 2.2%.

These features not only improve functionality but also cater to buyers' preferences.

Zillow Group (NASDAQ: Z, ZG) reported Q3 2021 financial results, including a consolidated revenue of $1.7 billion, a 164% increase year over year. However, the company announced it would wind down Zillow Offers, its iBuying service, affecting approximately 25% of its workforce due to unpredictability in home price forecasting. Homes segment revenue fell to $1.2 billion, below estimates, with a reported net loss of $328 million. The company ended Q3 with cash and investments totaling $3.2 billion.

Zillow has launched an interactive virtual haunted house experience titled '667 Dead End Drive' to celebrate Halloween. This unique 3D Home tour allows visitors to explore a fictitious mansion haunted by the ghost of its former owner, Edith Thistle.

Through this immersive experience, users can search for clues related to her demise while navigating dark hallways and eerie apparitions. This tour showcases Zillow's innovative 3D technology, enhancing user engagement with the platform. Although the haunted house is not for sale, Zillow continues to captivate users with its creative listings.

New Zillow data reveals that pet ownership among home buyers has surged during the pandemic, rising from 64% in 2020 to 73% in 2021. Buyers with pets tend to purchase larger homes, with 17% opting for homes over 3,000 square feet, versus 10% of non-pet owners. Additionally, 36% of pet owners bought homes with four or more bedrooms. The demand for private outdoor spaces also increased among pet owners (73% deemed it very important) compared to 65% of those without pets. The trend highlights how pets influence housing preferences and moving decisions.

The Zillow market report for September indicates a modest cooling in the housing market, with the Zillow Home Value Index reaching $308,220, reflecting a 1.6% increase from August and an 18.4% annual growth. Buyers are experiencing slightly more inventory, with homes taking an average of nine days to sell, one day longer than in August. The inventory shortage persists, down 19.9% year-over-year. Meanwhile, rental prices have risen 12.9% annually, hitting $1,888. Zillow economists anticipate 13.6% growth in home values over the next year, supported by robust sales activity.

Zillow Group (NASDAQ: Z, ZG) will release its third quarter 2021 financial results after market close on November 2, 2021. Following the announcement, a conference call and webcast will be held at 2 p.m. PT / 5 p.m. ET to discuss the results. Investors can register in advance for the call to reduce delays. More details and the live webcast will be available on the Investor Relations website.