AG readers were asked about interaction levels on the sites and in line with expectations, 99% have a profile on at least one site- 74% on Zillow, 79% on Realtor.com and 83% on Trulia. Usage levels ranked similarly with Trulia in the lead followed closely by Realtor.com, then Zillow. A variety of additional questions regarding specific site features (like Realtor ratings) were asked so that respondents would consider their overall perception of these three brands.
Respondents were asked to think about not only their interaction levels, but their results, with 83% noting that they had received a lead from these sites in the past 90 days. Nearly half had garnered at least one lead from Trulia and Realtor.com while only 29% had seen a return from Zillow in the past three months.
To refine why respondents had seen more leads from Trulia than Zillow, they were asked about their active participation levels and sure enough, forum involvement by respondents was nearly double on Trulia than Zillow. Regarding participation levels, roughly 30% of respondents have increased their interaction with all three sites, 30% have decreased and the remaining have stayed the same.
After being asked to consider their interaction levels and return on that interaction, the final and most important question was how valuable they perceive the sites to be to consumers as well as real estate professionals. Despite high participation at Trulia, when asked which of the three is the best value for consumers, nearly 60% indicated Realtor.com. When asked which is the best value for Realtors, nearly half indicated Realtor.com over the other two.
The perception of these three sites changes from year to year and currently, based on this AG Flash Poll, the venom towards these sites has dissipated compared to three years ago and involvement levels and leads have led to their perceived value, with Realtor.com and Trulia leading in the court of Realtor opinion.
About the poll: this is not a comprehensive, scientific poll. A questionnaire was offered to and optional to all AG readers on the website, not via RSS. All questions were mandatory, none were optional and no responses were removed from consideration or altered in any way. This is called a “flash” poll because it is a taking of the pulse and sentiment of readers in a specific point of time as we study trends in the real estate industry.
AG is not affiliated with Zillow or Trulia. Realtor.com is an advertiser on this site.
