A New Era in Real Estate Powered by AI

Zillow’s CEO, Jeremy Wacksman, is leading a transformative shift by embedding artificial intelligence deeply into the heart of the company’s digital platform. According to Fortune, Zillow is using AI tools to revolutionize how people buy, sell, rent, and engage with real estate professionals, effectively repositioning the company at the intersection of property and cutting-edge tech.

Wacksman shares that for over 20 years, Zillow has learned that when technology simplifies the home transaction process, people adopt it quickly. Today, with the emergence of personalized AI tools, ranging from automated valuations to predictive matching, Zillow is delivering a smarter, faster, and more user-friendly housing experience.

How AI Enhances Buyer, Seller, and Agent Workflows

Under Wacksman’s leadership, Zillow is building AI-powered systems that support all parties in real estate transactions. For buyers and renters, this means personalized property recommendations, smarter search filters, and virtual tours enhanced by AI visuals. Sellers benefit from valuation models that leverage machine learning for more accurate pricing. Agents gain access to lead scoring and workflow automation tools that improve efficiency and reduce manual effort.

This AI integration aligns with Zillow’s broader goal of becoming a “housing super app”, a unified ecosystem where listings, finance, and agent services operate in tandem. As part of its transformation plan, the company continues expanding tools for agents, buyers, and renters, while also offering climate risk scores and improved search tools. Wacksman believes that tools solving real customer pain points drive growth and engagement organically.

The Business Rationale: From Loss to Profit, Powered by AI

Zillow’s pivot toward AI and platform integration comes as the company transitions back into profitability. In Q1 2025, Zillow reported its first GAAP net profit since 2022, sharing upbeat revenue momentum, even within a challenging housing market.

The AI-powered “housing super app” model helps Zillow diversify beyond home-flipping margins by integrating agents, mortgages, rentals, and listings into one coherent experience. Analysts have noted that Zillow’s expansion of services allowed it to grow faster than the national housing market and gain share among competitors like Compass and Redfin.

Wacksman’s emphasis on remote-first culture and innovation also supports the move, enabling cross-functional teams to build AI tools rapid ly and respond to evolving market needs.

Strategic Advantages and Future Opportunities

Zillow’s AI-driven model positions it to deepen engagement with consumers and professionals alike. Key strategic advantages include:

• Seamless experience: Buyers can move from discovery to closing without leaving the app. Financing options, agent matching, and valuation tools work together seamlessly.
• Agent productivity: AI-powered lead scoring, automated workflows, and messaging tools free agents to focus on high-value interactions.
• Data insights: Zillow’s large property dataset combined with AI enables predictive intelligence that can surface opportunities early.
• Scalability: AI supports Zillow’s expansion into new markets without exponential increases in human capital.

Wacksman’s leadership underscores a cultural shift: “solving a customer problem, building a product, and making it pervasive in users’ minds”.

Risks, Challenges, and Regulatory Considerations

Despite its promise, Zillow’s AI-led strategy comes with headwinds. Critics argue that platform consolidation reduces competition and may raise costs, with politicians expressing concerns about centralization and anti-competitive dynamics .

Data accuracy and transparency also matter. Mispriced valuations or opaque personalization could undermine trust. Zillow will need to ensure AI decisions remain interpretable and fair across demographics.

Additionally, the regulatory scrutiny prompted by lawsuits, such as Compass challenging Zillow over private listings and agent referral models, underscores the fine line the company walks in reshaping traditional real estate norms.

Conclusion: Zillow’s AI Transformation Is Real and Growing

Zillow’s AI-powered transformation, led by Jeremy Wacksman, represents a bold reimagining of how real estate services are delivered. By building an integrated platform that serves buyers, sellers, and agents with personalized, AI-enhanced tools, Zillow is redefining both business strategy and user experience.

Whether the housing market rebounds or continues its slow trajectory, Zillow is betting that streamlined digital services, anchored by AI, will continue to attract users and drive profitability. For anyone watching the future of property and technology, this is one of the smartest pivots in real estate history.