Important Disclaimer:
Dalton Wade Agent Support is not a law firm, and our team members are not attorneys. The information below is provided for general guidance only and should not be considered legal advice.
For any legal questions regarding the Zillow purchase agreement, please consult a qualified real estate attorney.
The Zillow purchase agreement is a non-standard contract and may differ significantly from your local or state-approved forms. Because of this, agents should review all terms carefully and not assume they follow typical timelines or structures used in your market.
Zillow transactions often involve multiple representatives (coordinators, transaction managers, etc.), which can sometimes lead to delays or confusion.
Best Practice:
Communicate clearly and consistently
If needed, send separate emails to ensure accountability
Confirm who is responsible for each step in the transaction
This section outlines any seller concessions requested by the buyer, including:
Closing cost assistance
Credits
Specific dollar amounts
Make sure this section is clearly completed and aligns with your client’s expectations.
The Zillow contract may handle inspection timelines differently than standard state contracts.
Key differences may include:
Deadlines tied to a specific time (e.g., 5:00 PM)
Use of calendar days instead of business days
Built-in response periods for seller negotiations
Requirement to use Zillow-specific inspection forms
Important:
If the buyer does not act within the inspection period (including any extensions), they may lose the right to terminate under that section.
Because this is not a state-specific contract, standard local addenda may not always align perfectly.
In some cases, agents have used their state or association extension forms—but this is not guaranteed to be accepted in every transaction.
Best Practice:
Confirm with Zillow on a transaction-by-transaction basis
Ensure all parties agree in writing to any extensions
Keep documentation clear and consistent
The financing contingency is typically included as a separate addendum and must be added to the contract.
Default approval timelines may be short (commonly around 14 days)
This may not be sufficient depending on the loan type and lender
Recommendations:
Review and adjust timelines as needed before submitting the offer
Clearly communicate deadlines to your client
Monitor this contingency closely to avoid missed deadlines
Always read the Zillow contract carefully—it is not a standard form
Do not assume timelines or processes match your local contracts
When in doubt, confirm with Zillow and document everything
Encourage your clients to seek legal advice when needed