Why You Should Be Careful Clicking "Take a Tour" on Zillow

If you've been browsing homes online, you've probably seen the "Request a Tour" or "Take a Tour" button on Zillow.

It seems simple enough. You see a home you like and think:

"I'll just click this button so I can go see it."

Many people assume this simply connects them with the listing agent or helps schedule a showing.

But that's not actually how it works.

Before you click that button, it's helpful to understand what happens behind the scenes.

What Happens When You Click "Request a Tour" on Zillow

When you click "Request a Tour" on Zillow, your information is typically routed to a local buyer's agent who pays Zillow for leads.

That agent may not be the listing agent and may not be someone you know or have worked with before.

The system simply connects you with an available agent who participates in Zillow's advertising program.

This isn't necessarily a bad thing. Many good agents participate in these programs.

However, most buyers don't realize that when they click that button, they are starting a relationship with a new agent they may have never intended to work with.

Why This Can Create Confusion for Buyers

A common scenario looks something like this:

You're casually browsing homes online and see one you'd like to look at.
You click "Take a Tour" just to schedule a showing.

You may think:

"I just want to see the house."

But the agent who receives that request may reasonably assume that you are looking for representation as a buyer.

In many cases, the agent may ask you to sign a Buyer Agency Agreement before showing the property.

If you sign that agreement, you may have formally committed to working with that agent for a certain period of time.

The Buyer Agency Agreement

Buyer Agency Agreements have become more common in real estate and they serve an important purpose. They clarify how an agent represents a buyer and how compensation works.

But sometimes buyers sign these agreements without fully realizing what they mean.

Once signed, the agreement may require you to work exclusively with that agent during the agreement period.

That can create frustration if you already had an agent you intended to work with.

"I Didn't Want to Bother My Agent"

One thing I hear from clients all the time is:

"I didn't want to bother you. I just wanted to go see the house."

Please hear this clearly:

You are never bothering me.

Helping clients see homes and answer questions is literally my job.

In fact, it's much easier for me to help you if I know what homes you're interested in and what you're seeing online.

The Best Way to Schedule a Showing

If you see a home online that you want to tour, the easiest solution is simply to:

• Send your agent the address

• Text the listing link

• Forward the property from Zillow, Realtor.com, or MLS

Your agent can quickly schedule a showing and make sure everything is handled properly.

This also ensures that:

• You have someone advocating for you

• Your interests are protected

• You avoid accidentally creating a representation agreement with someone you don't know

Why Working With an Agent You Trust Matters

Buying a home is often the largest financial decision most people will ever make.

That's why having a trusted professional guiding you through the process is so important.

When you work with someone you know and trust, they already understand:

• Your goals

• Your budget

• Your timeline

• The type of home you're looking for

That makes the process smoother and more strategic.

A Quick Note About Zillow Agents

Many agents who participate in Zillow's lead programs are excellent professionals who work hard for their clients.

The goal here isn't to criticize those agents.

The goal is simply to make sure buyers understand how the system works so they can make informed decisions.

If You're My Client, Call Me First

If you're currently working with me and see a home you'd like to tour, the best thing to do is simply reach out to me directly.

Send me the link.
Text me the address.
Call me.

You are never wasting my time.

Helping you find the right home is exactly what I'm here for.

Leslie Burns, REALTOR®
Serving buyers and sellers throughout Medina County and Northeast Ohio
Living the Ohio Dream