If you’re house hunting online, you’ve probably used Zillow. It’s one of the most popular platforms for browsing homes for sale, and it offers a convenient feature: the ability to request a showing on Zillow with just a few clicks.
But what happens when you hit that button? Who contacts you? Are you now tied to an agent? And what does it mean when they say they’ll “work with you”?
Let’s break it all down as Zillow Best of Agent, Realtor Emily Martin, explains the Zillow process to you as a home buyer.
What Does “Request a Showing on Zillow” Mean?
When you request a showing on Zillow, you’re asking to schedule a time to visit a property in person (or virtually). This could be a private tour or an open house, depending on the home’s availability and the seller’s preferences.
But here’s the key: you’re not contacting the listing agent directly. Instead, Zillow sends your request to a Zillow Premier Agent, often a local agent who advertises through Zillow. They may or may not be the agent representing the property.
Curious about how Zillow Premier Agents work and how to find the best ones? Here’s everything you need to know about Top Zillow Premier Agents, featuring Realtor Emily Martin.
What Happens After You Request a Showing?
Once you submit your request, here’s what usually happens:
- You get a call or text. A real estate agent (or someone from their team) will contact you shortly after. They’ll confirm your interest and try to schedule a showing time that works for you.
- They may ask questions. Expect them to ask about your home search, if you’re already working with an agent, and whether you’re pre-approved for a mortgage.
- They might become your agent. If you’re not working with anyone yet, the agent who responds might offer to “work with you”, meaning they’ll guide you through showings, help with offers, negotiations, and potentially represent you through the home buying process.
- You will be asked to sign a Touring Agreement before seeing a home with the realtor. This is the LAW in CA, and if an agent does not request you to sign a touring agreement, they’re breaking real estate laws and oaths they agreed to when obtaining their CA Real Estate License. Learn more about the Buyer’s Touring Agreement in our blog post here.
What Does It Mean When They Say They Want to “Work with You”?
When a Zillow-connected agent says they’d like to work with you, it means they want to build a formal or informal relationship as your buyer’s agent. They’re not just helping with that one showing — they may hope to represent you on the entire purchase journey.
This can be helpful, especially if:
- You don’t already have a buyer’s agent.
- You want one point of contact for your home search.
- You’d like professional guidance when making offers and negotiating.
Still on the fence about choosing a buyer’s agent? Here are 5 compelling reasons to work with Realtor Emily Martin, from expert negotiation to deep local market knowledge.
Just keep in mind that if you later want to work with a different agent, you may need to formally end that relationship, especially if you sign a buyer representation agreement.
Can You Choose Who You Work With?
Yes, you can request a showing on Zillow without being locked into working with that agent. You’re not obligated to use the agent who responds—unless you view a property with them and sign a touring agreement. That agreement typically states that if you decide to make an offer on the property they showed you, you agree to let them represent you and receive the commission.
Already working with a buyer’s agent? Then you should not request showings through Zillow. Doing so may create a situation where the Zillow agent is entitled to a commission, on top of what your current agent would earn. Unless you want to pay both agents, always have your agent reach out to the listing agent directly to schedule any showings.
Key Takeaways When You Request a Showing on Zillow
- When you request a showing on Zillow, you’re connected with a local real estate agent who would act as your Buyer’s Agent—not the listing agent for the property. This agent may follow up with you and offer to help beyond the initial showing.
- You’re not required to work with the first agent who contacts you. You always have the right to choose your representation. Keep in mind that Zillow will ask you to rate the agent after your first call, and if you don’t give a 5-star review, Zillow may match you with a different agent.
- It’s important to understand that Zillow agents are paying for the opportunity to connect with buyers like you. If you already have an agent, it’s not fair—or ethical—to say you don’t, just to book a showing through Zillow. (Emily, for example, gets frequent calls from buyers who selected “I do not have an agent,” only to later reveal they do, once she explains the touring agreement and commission details.)
- Bottom line: If you already have an agent, do not request showings through Zillow. Instead, have your agent contact the listing agent directly to schedule the showing.
Zillow makes it easy to explore homes and request a showing, but it’s important to understand how the process works behind the scenes. The agents who respond are often eager to help, and they may become a valuable partner in your home-buying journey.
Whether you’re just browsing or seriously buying, knowing how Zillow’s showing requests work gives you more control and clarity in your search.
Why choose Sonoma Realtor Emily Martin?
Emily has called California home for over a decade and likes to think of herself as a California “native.” Learning at a young age from her mother, Linda K. Martin, a top-producing real estate agent for 40+ years, Emily has been immersed in real estate all of her life. As a homeowner in her early 20s in Manhattan’s Gramercy Park, followed by San Francisco, and now Healdsburg, Emily understands the intricacies of home ownership in highly sought-after regions such as Manhattan, San Francisco, Sonoma County, Napa Valley, and her beloved hometown of Healdsburg, California.
Whether clients are buying their dream home, purchasing a second home, selling a cherished property, or investing in the market, Emily is here to make their dreams a reality. Her extensive luxury experience, attention to customer service, marketing expertise, strong work ethic, and passion enable her to provide a level of service that is truly distinctive.
As the journey begins, here’s what clients can expect:
Unmatched Luxury Expertise
With a deep-rooted understanding of the luxury market, Emily brings a wealth of knowledge and insight into luxury goods, sales, and lifestyle. Whether clients are buying or selling, she has the expertise to navigate the world of real estate and the Healdsburg Luxury Homes market.
A Tradition of Excellence
With a family legacy spanning four decades in real estate, excellence is not just a goal—it’s a tradition. Emily is committed to upholding the impeccable reputation her mother, Linda K. Martin, a top North Shore Chicago agent, has built by delivering nothing short of excellence to her clients.
Unwavering Dedication & Passion
Emily is dedicated to her clients’ success. From the moment they embark on this journey together, she provides unwavering support, guidance, and attention to detail, ensuring a seamless and stress-free experience. When asked to describe Emily, the first words that come to her clients ‘ minds are passionate, energetic, experienced, and dependable.
Explore the Luxury Lifestyle in Healdsburg’s Wine Country
Luxury real estate is not just about properties—it’s about a lifestyle. It’s about finding the perfect blend of elegance, sophistication, and comfort that feels like home. It’s the feeling clients get when they walk into their dream home.
Contact Sonoma Realtor Emily Martin today at: emily@luxeplaces.com or 707-926-3200 to begin an extraordinary real estate experience. Together, you’ll create a story worth telling, a life worth living, and a legacy worth building.