America 250: 20 years of Zillow, the site that transformed home buying

February 27, 2026 - 18:53

For many Americans, the first step in the home-buying process is not calling an agent or visiting an open house — it’s opening Zillow. This month marks twenty years since the launch of the iconic property platform, a period that has fundamentally transformed how people search for, value, and think about real estate.

Before Zillow's arrival in 2006, detailed home value estimates and comprehensive online listings were largely inaccessible to the public. The company democratized this data, placing powerful tools directly into consumers' hands with its "Zestimate" and vast database of for-sale and off-market homes. This shift empowered buyers and sellers with unprecedented market knowledge, altering the dynamics with real estate professionals and fostering a new culture of browsing and dreaming.

The platform’s influence extends beyond transactions, changing the cultural landscape of homeownership. It turned property browsing into a national pastime, fueled aspirations, and made market trends a topic of everyday conversation. While debates continue about the accuracy of its automated valuations and its impact on local markets, there is no denying its seismic effect. As Zillow enters its third decade, it remains a central pillar of the housing industry, having indelibly digitized the pursuit of the American home.