reAlpha vs Zillow : A New Chapter in Home Buying
September 1, 2025
4 minutes
Zillow is a well-known website that many people use when they want to buy or rent a home. It’s popular because it has a huge list of properties and helps connect buyers with real estate agents. But as the market changes and new rules come into play, a new option is stepping up. reAlpha offers an easy, no-cost way to buy and sell homes using smart AI technology. This approach differs from traditional methods used by Zillow and similar companies.
The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) recently changed the rules about how real estate agents get paid. Because of this, many people buying homes are now looking for cheaper and tech-friendly ways to do it. One option is a company called reAlpha, which is listed on NASDAQ. They use AI (a smart computer system) to help make buying a home simpler and less complicated. reAlpha combines AI and expert support, making homebuying seamless and rewarding with cashback.
This article examines the key differences between Zillow and reAlpha. It provides clear information to show why many experts think reAlpha could become the top option for real estate deals in the future.
reAlpha vs. Zillow: Business Model Comparison
Zillow operates as a traditional real estate platform, relying on agents and charging commissions, while reAlpha transforms the market with AI-driven guidance and cashback at closing. By automating the process, reAlpha removes inefficiencies and lowers costs, providing a more affordable and seamless experience compared to Zillow’s agent-driven model. Here’s a closer look at the details:
Zillow’s Business Model: Traditional and Agent-Dependent
Zillow is a website that helps people buy or sell homes by linking them with real estate agents. The company makes money in different ways:
- Premier Agent Program – Agents pay Zillow for lead generation.
- iBuying (Zillow Offers – No Longer Available) - Zillow used to have a program called iBuying. They bought homes from sellers, made repairs, and then sold them. The goal was to make selling faster and easier, but it ended up losing money, so Zillow shut it down.
- Advertising & Mortgages – Zillow monetizes through real estate ads and mortgage lending.
Challenges & Limitations of Zillow’s Model:
- Agent-Dependent: Buyers still rely on traditional agents, incurring 3-6% commission fees.
- Limited AI & Automation: Zillow provides listings but does not assist with transactions beyond referrals.
- No Integrated Homebuying Services: Users must seek out mortgage brokers, title companies, and insurance providers separately.
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reAlpha’s Business Model: AI-Powered Homebuying with Expert Support and Cashback
reAlpha is not a traditional brokerage. Instead, it uses AI and expert insights to streamline homebuying and reward you with cashback.
How reAlpha Makes Money:
1. Smart Savings – reAlpha delivers AI-driven homebuying with expert help and cashback benefits, unlike traditional brokerages.
2. Revenue from Ancillary Services:
- Mortgage Brokering – Helps homebuyers find financing options.
- Title Search & Insurance – Verifies property ownership and provides risk coverage.
reAlpha’s Key Advantages Over Zillow:
- AI-Driven Agent (Claire) – Handles the entire transaction, including property searches, offers, and closing support.
- Fully Digital Homebuying Experience – No need for agent-led negotiations or manual paperwork.
- Cost Savings – Eliminates traditional 3-6% or more commissions, making homeownership more affordable.
reAlpha vs. Zillow Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Feature | reAlpha | Zillow |
|---|---|---|
| Business Model | AI-driven homebuying with expert support and cashback | Traditional agent-driven marketplace |
| Cost for Buyers | No commission fees | 3-6% agent commission |
| Property Search | AI-powered recommendations | Agent-dependent listings |
| Purchase Process | Tech and AI guided process for better UX experience | Manual negotiation with agents |
| Revenue Source | Mortgage brokering, title & home insurance | Agent commissions, advertising |
| Tech Integration | AI-driven customer experience | Minimal AI in transactions |
reAlpha vs. Zillow: Comparing Benefits for a Homebuyer
Let’s consider this hypothetical example of two homebuyers, each using a different platform:
Buyer A – Using Zillow
- Starts by browsing Zillow’s listings but must hire an agent for home tours.
- The agent charges a 3% or more commission, adding thousands to the final cost.
- Must coordinate with third-party lenders, title companies, and insurance providers, increasing complexity.
- The entire process takes weeks, with back-and-forth agent negotiations.
Buyer B – Using reAlpha
- Uses AI agent Claire to find listings, analyze pricing, and make an offer.
- Big Savings – AI-powered homebuying with expert guidance and cashback at closing.
- Mortgage, title, and insurance services are integrated into the platform.
- Faster, fully digital transaction with AI-assisted negotiation & contract generation.
reAlpha vs. Flyhomes Who Wins?
Buyer B (reAlpha) enjoys an AI-powered, hassle-free homebuying experience with expert guidance and cashback, unlike Buyer A.
Industry Insights: The Future of Home Buying
With real estate commissions under scrutiny, the industry is shifting towards technology-driven efficiency.
Why Traditional Models (Like Zillow) Struggle:
- High agent fees – Buyers and sellers still pay steep commissions.
- Limited automation – Zillow acts as a middleman rather than a transaction enabler.
- Fragmented homebuying process – No seamless mortgage, title, or insurance integration.
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Why reAlpha Leads the Future of PropTech:
- AI-Powered Transactions – Reduces reliance on traditional agents.
- Integrated Homebuying Services – Mortgage, title, and insurance included.
- Cashback Model – Adds value with AI-driven insights and expert-backed support.
reAlpha vs. Zillow Final Verdict: Why reAlpha Wins
reAlpha is a better choice than Zillow
- No Commissions – Zillow’s agent model leads to 3-6% in fees, while reAlpha ensures a smarter process with AI and cashback.
- AI-Driven Efficiency – Zillow offers listings, but reAlpha guides buyers through the entire purchase process.
- Integrated Homebuying Solutions – Unlike Zillow, reAlpha provides mortgages, title services, and insurance in one platform.
- Faster, Smarter Transactions – With AI-powered automation, reAlpha closes deals faster than agent-driven transactions.
Ready to experience the future of homebuying? Explore reAlpha for AI-driven support, expert help, and cashback rewards!
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Article by
As a great communicator with excellent negotiation skills, I focus more on establishing unbreakable ties between my clients, as opposed to just helping them achieve their real estate dreams. As a representative of both buyers and sellers, I understand how to lead a transaction process to ensure that the needs of both are met. My track record speaks for itself. Since I ventured into the industry in 2013 as a realtor, I have not only helped many buyers land perfect homes, but I have also assisted tons of owners and investors build wealth.