The Real Estate Platform Transparency Guide

Why Zillow, Redfin, and Realtor.com show different data for the same property—and how to use this knowledge to your advantage.

Why Platforms Show Different Data

You're looking at the same property on Zillow, Redfin, and Realtor.com. Zillow shows it's been listed for 127 days. Redfin says just 7 days. Which one is telling the truth?

The answer: They both are—technically.

The Core Difference: How Platforms Track Properties

When an agent creates a new MLS listing number for the same property, Redfin treats it as a brand new listing. Zillow's algorithm recognizes it's the same physical address and connects the dots.

The #1 Manipulation Tactic: DOM Gaming

"Days on Market" (DOM) is the most manipulated metric in real estate. Here's how it works:

1. Property listed: Day 1 starts
2. Sits on market: 75 days pass, no offers
3. Agent withdraws listing: Removed from MLS
4. Wait 30-90 days: Off-market "cooling period"
5. Relist with new MLS number: DOM resets to Day 1

The property now appears "fresh" on platforms like Redfin, even though it's been on the market for months.

Your 3-Minute Verification Checklist

Before making any offer, do this:

10 Common Manipulation Tactics

1. Delist/Relist Cycle

Withdrawing and relisting to reset DOM. Look for gaps of exactly 30, 60, or 90 days (common MLS reset thresholds).

2. Unit Number Shell Game

Changing "4B" to "4-B" to "Unit 4B" across listings to break algorithm connections.

3. Status Flipping

Toggling between "Active" and "Pending" to pause the DOM clock or create urgency signals.

4. Phantom Offers

Verbal claims of "We have another offer" without written proof. Creates pressure to bid higher.

5. Teaser Pricing

Listing at $499k but only accepting offers above $550k. Generates traffic and "multiple offer" claims.

6. Property Type Misclassification

Listing a condo as "Single Family" to appear in SFR searches and avoid condo stigma.

7. Virtual Staging Deception

Not just adding furniture—digitally fixing cracks, changing views, removing power lines.

8. "Coming Soon" Abuse

Marketing privately to solicit offers before public listing, limiting fair competition.

9. Commission Steering

Bonuses in "Private Remarks" (agent-only) to push certain properties: "$5k bonus if closed by Friday."

10. Keyword Stuffing

Overloading descriptions with "Near [Popular Area]" when it's actually miles away.

The Parcel ID: Your Ground Truth

The Parcel ID (also called APN - Assessor's Parcel Number) is the property's "social security number." Unlike MLS listing numbers, it never changes.

Where to find it:

• Your county assessor's website (search by address)
• Property tax records
• Often shown on Zillow (in "Facts and features" section)

What it reveals:

• All recorded sales (not just recent MLS sales)
• Official square footage (not agent-reported)
• Actual lot size
• Tax assessment history
• Liens, easements, encumbrances

Questions to Ask Every Listing Agent

These questions make agents uncomfortable—which means you're getting to the truth:

1. "Has this property been listed before in the last 12 months under any MLS number or brokerage?" — Gets at the relist game directly.
2. "What is the cumulative days on market, not just this listing period?" — Forces disclosure of total exposure time.
3. "Have there been any failed deals or inspection issues?" — In most states, required disclosure.
4. "Can you provide written documentation of any other offers?" — Calls the bluff on phantom offers.
5. "What's the official square footage according to the most recent appraisal?" — Catches inflated sqft claims.

When to Walk Away

These are deal-breakers that no amount of negotiation can fix:

• Agent refuses to disclose prior listing history when directly asked
• Square footage differs by >100 sqft between listing and county records
• Property has been relisted 3+ times in 12 months with price increases
• Agent verbally claims "multiple offers" but won't provide proof or escalation clause
• Listing photos are obviously digitally altered (beyond staging)

Want Us to Do the Research for You?

This guide teaches you how to investigate—but it's time-consuming. If you're actively looking at properties and want expert analysis:

Summary: Your Action Plan

For every property you're seriously considering:

1. Triangulate data: Check Zillow, Redfin, and county records
2. Find the parcel ID: Search county assessor by address
3. Compare DOM: If numbers differ by >7 days, investigate why
4. Ask hard questions: Use the list above—don't accept vague answers
5. Document everything: Screenshot timelines, price changes, agent claims
6. Negotiate accordingly: Use true DOM and history as leverage

© 2025 DwellChecker. This guide may be shared for educational purposes with attribution. Last updated: January 2025.