Z
illow is launching five new features, dubbed the Summer Launch, aimed at improving the homebuying experience for consumers and giving agents a competitive edge. The key features include SkyTour, which provides buyers with a bird's-eye view of properties; Tour Itineraries, designed to simplify tour scheduling for agents; Offer Insights, now available nationwide; an updated BuyAbility tool that helps buyers determine their affordability; and more transparent pricing on rental listings.

    SkyTour allows potential buyers to navigate around a home's exterior like they're piloting a drone, giving them a better understanding of the layout and lot placement. This feature is expected to be popular with buyers and can also help agents stand out in listing presentations.

    Zillow has also improved its touring tool, allowing buyers to add homes to a shared tour list and coordinate timing through the app or website. If changes are needed, the buyer can update the list, and the agent will receive organized updates.

    Offer Insights is now available nationwide, providing home shoppers with different offer scenarios to help them understand how strong an offer might be and its likelihood of being accepted. This tool also gives agents a reference point when explaining their price recommendations.

    The updated BuyAbility feature allows buyers to compare homes that fit both their target price and maximum budget, giving them a better range for active and engaged transactions. Over 1.5 million home shoppers have signed up for the tool since its launch.

    Rental listings now include detailed cost breakdowns, including pet fees, deposits, and move-in expenses. A custom calculator on rental listings aims to provide more transparency, addressing common frustrations among renters.