How to Launch Zillow-Like Platforms in the US Without Coding

Last Updated on April 12, 2025

The real estate industry in the US is booming, with online property marketplaces playing a crucial role in connecting buyers, sellers, and renters. Zillow, one of the biggest players, attracts more than 200 million unique visitors per month—a testament to the demand for digital real estate platforms. But what if you want to launch your own Zillow-like platform without writing a single line of code? Sounds impossible? It’s not!

Thanks to the rise of no-code and low-code platforms, entrepreneurs and real estate professionals can now build fully functional, scalable property listing websites without technical expertise. Whether you’re an agent looking to expand your reach or a startup eyeing the $200 billion real estate tech industry, this guide will walk you through the entire process—from choosing the right tools to launching and scaling your platform successfully. Let’s dive in!

Understanding the Zillow Model

Before you begin building your platform, it is important to understand how Zillow operates and what makes it successful. Zillow functions as an all-in-one real estate hub, offering services that allow users to browse, buy, sell, and rent properties seamlessly. Zillow attracts over 220 million monthly unique visitors. One of the key aspects of Zillow’s success is its extensive and user-friendly property listings. The platform ensures that properties are categorized based on location, price, type, and other essential parameters, making it easy for users to find what they need.

Another crucial component of Zillow’s model is the Zestimate, an AI-powered home valuation tool that provides price estimates based on market trends, property details, and historical sales data. Additionally, Zillow offers interactive maps, mortgage calculators, and a connection system that links users to real estate agents and loan providers. Understanding these features is essential because replicating them—even in a simplified form—will be critical for your success. Fortunately, with the right no-code tools, you can integrate many of these functionalities without a single line of code.

Ways to launch a Zillow-like platform without coding

Choosing the Right No-Code Platform

To build a Zillow-like platform without coding, selecting the right no-code platform is the first step. There are various no-code tools available, each catering to different aspects of marketplace building. Some of the most popular ones include Bubble.io, Sharetribe, and Softr + Airtable.

Bubble.io is an excellent choice if you need full control over your platform’s design and functionality. It offers a drag-and-drop builder that allows you to create a custom real estate marketplace without writing a single line of code. Bubble.io also enables API integrations, making it easy to connect with third-party services such as Google Maps, payment gateways, and MLS (Multiple Listing Service) databases.

For those who prefer an out-of-the-box solution, Sharetribe is a marketplace-specific no-code platform that provides pre-built templates tailored for real estate listings. It allows you to add features such as user profiles, property filters, and messaging capabilities without needing technical knowledge. Similarly, Softr + Airtable is ideal for a database-driven approach, where properties can be stored, filtered, and displayed dynamically. By selecting the right no-code platform, you can ensure that your real estate marketplace is scalable, user-friendly, and equipped with all the essential functionalities.

Setting Up Property Listings and Search Functionality

Organizing Property Data Efficiently

One of the most crucial features of a Zillow-like platform is property listings. This is the core component that allows users to search, browse, and filter properties based on their preferences. The U.S. real estate tech market is valued at over $200 billion. No-code platforms like Bubble.io and Sharetribe make it easy to create a system where properties are categorized by essential factors such as location, price, number of bedrooms, and property type.

A well-organized database is the foundation of a seamless listing experience. Using tools like Airtable, you can efficiently structure property data, ensuring that all relevant details—including images, descriptions, property sizes, and pricing—are stored in an easily accessible manner. Once the data is structured properly, platforms like Softr and Bubble.io can dynamically generate property pages that display all relevant information. This approach reduces manual work while keeping listings up-to-date with minimal effort.

Enhancing Search and Filtering Capabilities

A Zillow-like platform must offer advanced search functionality to provide users with a seamless browsing experience. Zillow’s success is largely attributed to its intuitive filtering system, allowing users to find homes based on their unique preferences. With no-code tools, you can set up similar search capabilities to help users find properties based on price range, property type, neighborhood, amenities, and home features such as swimming pools or garages.

By integrating conditional filtering, users can refine their searches further, improving navigation and increasing the chances of them finding their ideal property. Many no-code platforms, including Bubble.io, offer plugins and extensions that enable real-time search updates, so users can see results change instantly as they adjust their filters. This level of interactivity enhances user experience and boosts engagement.

Adding High-Quality Property Images and Virtual Tours

Visual content plays a significant role in real estate listings. Users are more likely to engage with property pages that contain high-quality images, 360-degree virtual tours, and video walkthroughs. The global no-code/low-code development platform market is expected to reach $65 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 26.1%. No-code platforms allow easy integration of image galleries, embedded videos, and interactive virtual tours to enhance the property browsing experience.

Virtual tour tools such as Matterport can be integrated into your no-code platform, giving buyers an immersive way to explore properties from the comfort of their homes. This feature has become increasingly popular, as many homebuyers and renters now prefer to conduct their initial searches online before scheduling in-person visits.

Implementing a Save and Compare Feature

Another way to improve user engagement is by allowing users to save and compare properties they are interested in. Zillow and similar platforms enable users to bookmark listings and return to them later, making decision-making easier. With no-code tools, you can implement a user dashboard where users can store their favorite properties and even compare multiple listings side-by-side.

This functionality can be enhanced by sending automated notifications or recommendations based on user preferences. If a saved property undergoes a price change or receives multiple inquiries, users can be notified via email or push notifications, keeping them actively engaged with the platform.

Implementing Map Integration and Location-Based Search

A Zillow-like platform would be incomplete without interactive maps that help users visualize property locations. Fortunately, no-code platforms offer seamless integration with Google Maps API, allowing you to display properties on a map. Tools like Bubble.io and Softr provide easy drag-and-drop options to embed maps into your platform without coding.

Map-based search functionality significantly enhances user engagement, as it allows potential buyers or renters to view nearby schools, shopping centers, and public transportation options. By integrating location-based search, your platform can provide a more immersive experience, similar to what Zillow offers. Additionally, if you want to take it a step further, you can leverage third-party APIs to include neighborhood insights, market trends, and demographic data, giving users a comprehensive view of their desired location.

Enabling User Profiles and Messaging System

For a real estate marketplace to be successful, it must include features that allow interaction between users. Buyers and renters should be able to connect with sellers, real estate agents, or landlords effortlessly. No-code platforms like Sharetribe and Bubble.io offer built-in user authentication, allowing users to create profiles, save their favorite listings, and communicate with property owners.

A messaging system is an essential component that enhances communication on your platform. By integrating a chat feature, you can enable real-time conversations between buyers and sellers, improving engagement and conversion rates. Many no-code tools provide easy-to-implement messaging functionalities, so you don’t have to worry about complex backend development. Additionally, adding a review and rating system for agents and property owners can build trust among users and increase your platform’s credibility.

Also read: Build Your Own Real Estate Marketplace Like Zillow

Integrating Payment and Monetization Features

Listing Fees and Premium Listings

One of the most straightforward ways to generate revenue from your platform is through listing fees. Property owners, landlords, or real estate agents can pay to have their listings displayed on your platform. To enhance visibility, you can also introduce premium listings, where users pay an additional fee to have their properties featured at the top of search results or displayed on the homepage. This method provides a steady income stream while also giving sellers a better chance of securing buyers or renters quickly.

Subscription Plans and Memberships

Another effective monetization strategy is implementing subscription plans or memberships. You can offer different levels of access where basic listings are free, but users must subscribe to access premium features such as advanced analytics, market insights, or direct messaging with potential buyers. Subscription-based models work well for real estate agents and agencies looking to expand their reach and gain exclusive tools to enhance their sales performance.

Commission-Based Transactions

A commission-based model allows you to earn a percentage from successful transactions made through your platform. For instance, if a home is rented or sold via your platform, you can charge a small commission from the seller, landlord, or agent. This approach works particularly well if you have a large user base and high transaction volume.

Referral Partnerships

Another way to generate revenue is through referral partnerships with mortgage lenders, home insurance providers, moving services, and interior designers. By referring users to these third-party services, you can earn a commission for every successful conversion. This adds value to your platform by offering additional services that home buyers or renters may need.

Also read: Choose the Perfect Zillow Like App for Your Rental Marketplace Business

Scaling Your Real Estate Marketplace

Laying the Foundation for Growth

Once your platform is up and running, the next step is ensuring its growth and scalability. Many real estate startups struggle to gain traction because they overlook this crucial phase. Accordin

g to data from the National Association of Realtors, over 90% of homebuyers begin their journey online. This highlights the vast potential for traffic and engagement—if your platform is optimized to capture it.

To effectively scale, your focus must shift toward robust user acquisition strategies and ongoing platform performance. Growth isn’t just about attracting new users; it’s about retaining them, converting them into active participants, and continuously improving the user experience to keep them engaged.

Leveraging SEO and Content Marketing

Organic traffic remains one of the most powerful and sustainable methods of user acquisition. By implementing an SEO strategy tailored to real estate, you can significantly improve your platform’s visibility. Optimizing each property listing with geo-targeted keywords, detailed descriptions, and properly formatted metadata can help your site rank higher on search engines. Zillow, for instance, ranks for millions of keywords across the US, driving a massive amount of unpaid traffic.

Content marketing also plays a major role. Creating blog posts on topics like “Best Neighborhoods to Buy in 2025” or “How to Get a Mortgage with Bad Credit” not only builds trust but also positions your platform as an authority in the industry. By using tools like Surfer SEO or Clearscope, you can ensure your content is not only high-quality but also keyword-optimized to drive real traffic.

Paid Marketing and Social Media Strategies

While organic marketing is valuable, paid marketing can give your platform the jumpstart it needs. Running targeted ads on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Google can help you reach niche audiences based on location, interests, income levels, and even intent to buy or rent. According to Statista, more than 50% of digital marketers consider paid social media advertising one of their top channels for customer acquisition.

Platforms like Meta Ads allow you to create visually engaging property carousels and video walkthroughs that can be directly targeted to your ideal users. You can also leverage influencer partnerships with local realtors or real estate YouTubers to boost visibility and gain credibility within communities. The key to success with paid campaigns is consistent A/B testing and analytics tracking to ensure your ROI improves with every dollar spent.

Also read: 7 Innovative Features For Your Real-Estate App Like Zillow

The Power of Analytics and AI

One of the biggest advantages of digital real estate platforms is access to user behavior data. Every time a user visits a property page, saves a listing, or uses a filter, they generate valuable insights. By integrating analytics platforms like Google Analytics, Hotjar, or Mixpanel, you can monitor engagement rates, drop-off points, and popular search filters. This data allows you to make informed decisions about which features to optimize and what content users are looking for.

Additionally, integrating AI-powered tools can dramatically enhance your platform’s functionality and retention. Features like personalized property recommendations—based on past searches or viewing history—can increase time-on-site and reduce bounce rates. AI chatbots can assist users in real-time, helping them find listings faster and answering basic queries instantly. A report by PwC revealed that 72% of business leaders believe AI will be a key advantage in customer engagement by the end of this decade.

Continuous Performance Optimization

As your platform grows, performance becomes critical. Slow loading times, clunky navigation, or non-responsive design can severely hurt user retention. It’s important to continuously test your website’s speed, especially on mobile devices, since 63% of homebuyers now search for properties via smartphones, according to the NAR. Tools like GTMetrix, PageSpeed Insights, and Cloudflare can help improve load times, reduce downtime, and provide a smoother experience.

Another major aspect of optimization is scalability. If you start experiencing spikes in traffic or listing uploads, ensure your no-code platform or hosting provider can handle the load. Platforms like Bubble offer performance plans and plugin optimizations to ensure your app doesn’t slow down as you grow. Investing early in performance ensures you won’t lose users to competitors due to frustrating experiences.

Why Buying a Zillow Clone Makes Sense

Building a real estate platform from scratch requires significant investment, both in terms of time and money. Developing a robust Zillow alternative with custom coding can take 6-12 months and cost anywhere between $50,000 to $500,000, depending on the complexity. In contrast, buying a Zillow clone costs significantly less, typically between $1,000 to $20,000, depending on the provider and customization options.

Time is another crucial factor. With a Zillow clone, you can launch your platform within weeks instead of months. Since the core functionalities are already built, you only need to focus on branding, content, and minor feature customizations. This makes it an excellent choice for startups, real estate agencies, and entrepreneurs looking to enter the market quickly.

Features to Look for in a Zillow Clone

When buying a Zillow clone, ensuring it has the right features is essential for delivering a seamless user experience. Some of the must-have features include:

• Advanced Search Filters: Allows users to search for properties based on location, price range, property type, and amenities.
• Interactive Maps: Integrates Google Maps or Mapbox to display property locations visually.
• Mortgage Calculator: Helps buyers estimate their monthly payments based on loan terms and interest rates.
• User Profiles and Listings Management: Allows real estate agents and property owners to list and manage their properties.
• Messaging and Inquiry System: Enables direct communication between buyers, sellers, and agents.
• Mobile Responsiveness: Ensures the platform works seamlessly across devices.

Where to Buy a Zillow Clone

Several marketplaces and software providers offer Zillow clone scripts. Some of the most popular sources include:

• Oyelabs: One of the trusted platforms to sell clones and customize them as per your requirements.  
• Codecanyon: A well-known marketplace that offers affordable real estate clone scripts.
• SimTechnos: Provides advanced real estate clone solutions with customization options.
• Appdupe: Specializes in Zillow and Trulia-like platforms with AI-powered recommendations.
• RentALL: Offers a scalable real estate marketplace solution with integrated payment options.

Before purchasing a clone script, ensure the provider offers customization support, scalability options, and post-launch technical support to help you get started smoothly.

Customizing Your Zillow Clone

Once you’ve purchased a Zillow clone, the next step is customization. While the script comes with standard features, modifying it to suit your brand and target audience is crucial. Customization options include:

• Branding and UI Design: Changing the logo, color scheme, and design to reflect your brand identity.
• Feature Additions: Integrating new features such as AI-powered recommendations, virtual property tours, or CRM tools.
• Payment Gateway Integration: Adding support for Stripe, PayPal, or other payment processors for monetization.
• Marketing and SEO Optimization: Ensuring the platform is optimized for search engines to attract organic traffic.

Conclusion

Building a Zillow-like real estate platform in the US without coding is no longer a distant dream. With the right no-code tools, you can create a fully functional property marketplace that offers advanced search filters, interactive maps, user profiles, messaging systems, and monetization options—all without writing a single line of code. By leveraging platforms like Bubble.io, Sharetribe, and Softr, you can turn your real estate business idea into reality.

If you’re ready to take the next step and need expert guidance, Oyelabs can help you strategize, design, and launch your real estate platform efficiently. Contact us today to start building your no-code Zillow alternative!