Zillow is a leading online real estate marketplace that has transformed how people buy, sell, and rent properties. Launched in 2006, it offers tools like the Zestimate® for home valuations, alongside services such as Zillow rentals and Zillow Rental Manager. With a presence in regions like Zillow NJ and a publicly traded Zillow stock (ticker: Z), Zillow remains a powerhouse in real estate technology. This article explores Zillow’s features, its rental ecosystem, stock performance, and regional impact, particularly in New Jersey.
What is Zillow?
Zillow is a Seattle-based real estate platform that connects buyers, sellers, renters, and landlords. With millions of listings, it provides up-to-date information on homes for sale, Zillow rentals, and market trends. Its Zestimate® tool estimates property values, while features like 3D home tours and the BuyAbility℠ tool help users navigate real estate decisions. Zillow’s mobile app, praised for its user-friendly interface despite some reported bugs, enhances accessibility for users searching for homes or rentals.
Zillow operates multiple platforms, including Trulia and HotPads, forming the Zillow Rentals Network, the most visited rental network in the U.S., with over 34 million monthly visitors. Its comprehensive tools make it a go-to resource for real estate professionals and consumers alike.
Zillow Rentals: Finding Your Next Home
Zillow rentals is a core component of Zillow’s platform, offering a vast database of rental listings across the U.S., from apartments to single-family homes. As of June 2025, Zillow lists over 10,875 rentals nationwide, with filters for price, location, and amenities like pet-friendliness or furnished units. Renters can save searches, schedule tours, and apply directly through the platform, streamlining the rental process.
The average U.S. apartment rent has surged nearly 30% since 2020 to $1,858, requiring an income of at least $80,000 to afford comfortably, per Zillow’s analysis. In high-cost areas like New York City, renters need $135,000 annually to keep rent below 30% of income. Zillow rental listings help users find options within their budget, with tools like the Rent Affordability Calculator guiding decisions.
Zillow Rental Manager: Tools for Landlords
Zillow Rental Manager is a free property management tool designed for landlords and property managers. It allows users to list properties, screen tenants, create leases, and collect rent online, all within one platform. Listings created on Zillow Rental Manager are syndicated to Zillow, Trulia, and HotPads, maximizing exposure to renters.
Key features include:
- Listing Creation: Add property details and unlimited photos in minutes.
- Tenant Screening: Access credit reports, background checks, and eviction history.
- Online Payments: Collect rent, utilities, and move-in fees for free.
- Lease Management: Build or upload leases for digital signatures.
While praised for its ease of use, some users report app issues, such as buggy notifications and slow verification processes. Premium listings incur a one-time fee for enhanced visibility, but free listings remain a cost-effective option for small-scale landlords.
Zillow Stock: Financial Performance and Market Insights
Zillow stock (ticker: Z) reflects the company’s position in the competitive real estate tech market. As of June 23, 2025, Zillow’s stock price is $69.06, up from $68.24 the previous day, as shown in the finance card above. The stock’s 1-day range was $67.31 to $69.27, with a market cap of approximately $17.13 billion. Over the past year, it ranged from $41.67 to $89.39, indicating volatility but significant growth from its 2024 low.
Zillow’s stock surged in late 2024, peaking at $104.71 in November, driven by strong rental network performance and partnerships with Redfin and The Rent. Network. However, recent challenges, including an antitrust lawsuit filed by Compass alleging Zillow bans private listings shared outside its platform, have introduced uncertainty. Despite this, Zillow’s focus on multifamily solutions and rental tools supports its long-term growth potential.
Zillow NJ: Rentals in New Jersey
Zillow NJ refers to Zillow’s rental and real estate listings in New Jersey, a state with high demand for housing. As of June 2025, Zillow lists 9,266 rental properties in New Jersey, including 2,586 single-family homes. Sample listings include:
- A 4-bedroom home in Newark for $2,700+.
- A 1-bedroom apartment in Lyndhurst for $2,100.
- A 3-bedroom townhouse in Jersey City for $3,500.
New Jersey’s proximity to New York City drives rental prices, with Jersey City averaging higher rents than other areas. Zillow rentals in NJ offer filters for pet-friendly or luxury apartments, catering to diverse renter needs. The platform’s saved search feature ensures users stay updated on new listings, critical in NJ’s competitive market.
Challenges and Community Sentiment
Zillow’s dominance has sparked debate. Landlords have criticized its pricing model, noting that Zillow Rental Manager transitioned from free to paid listings in 2019, with some feeling charged unexpected fees. Renters report frustrations with unresponsive property managers and inaccurate filters, such as pet-friendly listings showing non-pet-friendly units.
Recent X posts highlight tensions, with claims of Zillow shedding listings after New York’s Fairness in Apartment Rental Expenses Act and accusations of anti-competitive practices. However, Zillow’s integration with tools like LeaseWatch and partnerships with Rent.com signal ongoing innovation. Community sentiment is mixed: while users value Zillow’s reach, they demand better support and transparency.
Why Zillow Remains a Market Leader
Zillow’s success lies in its comprehensive ecosystem. Zillow rentals and Zillow Rental Manager simplify renting and property management, while the Zestimate® and market insights empower informed decisions. Its mobile app, despite occasional issues, offers seamless access to listings and tools. Zillow NJ demonstrates its regional strength, serving high-demand markets with tailored listings.
Zillow stock reflects investor confidence in its rental network and multifamily solutions, despite legal challenges. With 1.6 billion annual visits and a 73% share of U.S. rental traffic, Zillow’s platform is unmatched in scale. Its free tools for landlords and robust renter features ensure broad appeal, even as competitors like Zumper emerge.
Future Outlook for Zillow
Zillow’s future hinges on addressing user pain points and navigating legal challenges. Enhancing Zillow Rental Manager’s app reliability and customer support could improve landlord satisfaction. For renters, refining search filters and ensuring responsive property managers are critical. In regions like Zillow NJ, expanding affordable housing listings could meet growing demand.
Zillow stock may face volatility due to lawsuits and market dynamics, but its rental network’s dominance and multifamily focus position it for growth. As rents rise and housing supply lags, Zillow’s tools will remain essential for navigating the U.S. real estate market.
Conclusion
Zillow has redefined real estate with its innovative platform, offering Zillow rentals for renters, Zillow Rental Manager for landlords, and valuable insights through Zillow stock performance. In regions like Zillow NJ, it serves as a vital resource for finding homes in competitive markets. Despite challenges like app issues and pricing concerns, Zillow’s unmatched reach and tools make it a leader in real estate technology. Whether you’re renting, managing properties, or investing, Zillow provides the resources to succeed in today’s dynamic housing landscape.