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    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 reAlphaZillow
    Business ModelAI-driven homebuying with expert support and cashback
    Traditional agent-driven marketplace
    Cost for BuyersNo commission fees3-6% agent commission
    Property SearchAI-powered recommendationsAgent-dependent listings
    Purchase ProcessTech and AI guided process for better UX experienceManual negotiation with agents
    Revenue SourceMortgage brokering, title & home insuranceAgent commissions, advertising
    Tech IntegrationAI-driven customer experienceMinimal 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

    DA
    Daniel Ares

    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.

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    Important legal disclosures

    1The rebate offer is available only to customers who buy a home through real estate services by reAlpha Realty, LLC, Prevu Real Estate LLC, and Prevu Real Estate, Inc., licensed real estate brokerages, with the option to use reAlpha Mortgage where available. You may qualify for a closing cost credit up to 1.5% of the purchase price (up to 1.0% for real estate services, plus up to 0.5% when you also use reAlpha Mortgage). Example: $550,000 × 1.5% = $8,250. Credits are not guaranteed and service availability varies by state.

    Example savings are illustrative and may not be representative of actual customer savings. Rebate may not be redeemed for cash, is not transferable, and may not be rolled over. Additional terms, conditions and exclusions apply. Rebate is subject to change at any time, except as otherwise required by law or expressly agreed to in writing.

    Homebuyers who purchased a home with reAlpha Realty, LLC, Prevu Real Estate LLC, or Prevu Real Estate, Inc., licensed real estate brokerages, in 2025 received a median rebate of $10,450.

    Customers are not required to use services of any affiliated companies. Learn more.

    Some images on this website may be AI-generated and are used solely for illustrative purposes. All property listing images are actual photographs unless clearly marked otherwise.

    Further Reading

    How to Buy a Single Family House in Colton, CA 2026
    Mortgage Rate Lock: Secure Low Rates & Protect Your Savings
    Financial Planning for Homeownership: How reAlpha Helps You Turn Dreams Into Reality