What’s the difference between Realtor.ca and Zillow?
Realtor.ca or Zillow — which one puts your listing in front of buyers fast? Read this and pick the platform that wins at Marketing & Exposure.
Quick answer
Realtor.ca is the official Canadian MLS consumer portal. It delivers accurate, timely listings to Canadian buyers and agents. Zillow is a US-based audience powerhouse with advanced consumer tools and broad reach in the United States. For Canadian sellers who want authoritative exposure on the domestic market, Realtor.ca is mandatory. For reaching U.S. investors or tapping large consumer traffic, Zillow and other U.S. portals help. Use both with a strategy — not hope.
Why the difference matters for Marketing & Exposure
- Audience: Realtor.ca targets Canadian buyers and agents. Zillow targets U.S. consumers and investors. Pick platforms where your buyers live.
- Data source & accuracy: Realtor.ca pulls directly from MLS via the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA). That means accurate status, price, and agent details. Zillow aggregates feeds and public records; data can lag or show estimates (Zestimate).
- Trust & intent: Listings on Realtor.ca are tied to licensed Realtors and MLS rules. Buyers there are actively working with agents. Zillow gets massive traffic from casual browsers and high-intent shoppers in the U.S.
- Tools for sellers: Zillow offers consumer-facing features (Zestimate, Saved Searches, Premier Agent ads). Realtor.ca focuses on clean MLS presentation and agent contact — great for converting agent-assisted buyers.
Action plan to maximize exposure (Marketing & Exposure checklist)
- List on MLS first — that pushes your listing to Realtor.ca and feeds other Canadian portals. Accuracy matters: price, status, and photos must be perfect.
- Invest in professional photos, floor plans, and a virtual tour. Listings with great visuals get 3x more clicks.
- Syndicate intelligently. Ensure your MLS syndication settings reach major portals relevant to your buyers. If U.S. buyers matter, arrange international syndication to portals like Zillow.
- Run targeted ads. Use Facebook/Instagram geo-targeting + Google Ads keywords like “homes for sale” + your community to capture active buyers.
- Use Realtor messaging and tracking. Track source of inquiries and double down on channels that deliver qualified leads.
- Price competitively and highlight value. SEO optimize your listing description with terms buyers search: neighborhood, school, transit, square footage, and “Marketing & Exposure” when writing agent marketing pages.
One-line tactical edge
For Canadian listings: get on MLS → optimize photos and description → boost locally with paid social. For cross-border interest: add syndication to Zillow and run targeted U.S. ads.
Closing — how a local marketing pro helps
Listing on the right portal is only step one. Exposure is earned with professional marketing, precise syndication, and follow-up. If you want a proven approach that puts your listing in front of real buyers — not browsers — email tony@sousasells.ca or call 416-477-2620. Visit https://www.sousasells.ca for examples and a simple marketing plan tailored to your property.
