Which Site Should I Use?
Buyers ask me this all the time, usually right after they've fallen for a house that turned out to be under contract. The short answer: they all work, they mostly show the same homes, and the best approach is to use the one you like and pair it with an alert straight from the MLS.
This guide is for buyers. If you're selling, start with the guide to online platforms in Hampton Roads.
They Mostly Show the Same Homes
Most listings in Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth and Virginia Beach start in REIN, the local MLS, and are shared out to brokerage and consumer websites. Zillow and Trulia are owned by the same company, Zillow Group, and Realtor.com is operated by Move, Inc. Each receives listing data through its own feeds and agreements, so coverage is similar but not always identical.
Some homes appear on one site and not another, such as for-sale-by-owner posts or new-construction communities advertised directly by builders.
Why a Home Looks Available When It Isn't
Status updates travel through data feeds, so a home that went under contract this morning may still look active on some sites. Some platforms also show contingent or pending homes differently, and a listing in a "coming soon" status may follow different rules.
This is why buyers sometimes feel like the good homes are gone before they can see them. In a competitive price range, timing matters. An MLS alert set up by an agent generally reflects new listings and status changes quickly.
How the Sites Differ
Each has strengths. Rather than ranking them, here's what to notice.
| Feature | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Listing status | Does the site show pending and contingent homes clearly, and how quickly do changes appear? |
| Maps and layers | Flood, school and commute layers are helpful but always confirm with official sources |
| Price history | Shows past list prices and sales; useful for spotting reductions |
| Estimates | Automated values differ by site; see Is the Zestimate accurate? |
| Contact buttons | Some buttons connect you to an advertising agent, not necessarily the listing agent |
About the "Contact Agent" Button
On many search sites, clicking "contact agent" or "request a tour" may connect you with an agent who pays to receive leads, who may or may not be the listing agent. That's a normal part of how these sites work, and it's disclosed in their terms. It's just worth knowing who you're talking to. If you already have an agent, reach out to them directly instead.
Tips for a Smarter Online Search
Save searches on one or two sites, not five, so you're not chasing duplicate alerts.
Check flood zones on FEMA's flood map rather than relying only on a site's layer.
Confirm school assignments with the school division, since attendance zones change. My neighborhood school guides are a starting point.
Get pre-approved before you fall in love. My first-time homebuyers page explains the steps, and the home affordability calculator helps you set a budget.
Learn to read the listing itself; my guide on how to read an online home listing covers what the details mean.
What a Local Agent Adds
I set up a direct MLS search for my buyers, call listing agents to ask about offers and seller priorities, and tell you what I know about a street that a website won't. Then I help you write a strong offer, negotiate inspections and get to closing. My Hampton Roads buyer's agent page explains how buying with me works.
This article is general information, not legal or financial advice. Online platforms change their features, fees, programs and estimate methods often, so check each company's current terms directly. Zillow, Redfin, Realtor.com and Trulia are trademarks of their respective owners; this site is not affiliated with or endorsed by any of them.
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