I
n a recent episode of the "Real Estate Insiders Unfiltered Podcast," Zillow Group CEO Jeremy Wacksman joined hosts James Dwiggins and Keith Robinson for an in-depth conversation about technology's role in real estate and Zillow's ambitious "Super App" project.

    Wacksman emphasized the importance of technology in solving consumer problems, which drew him to Zillow in 2009. He quickly recognized the potential of mobile apps, particularly after the iPhone app store launched six months later. This sparked his work on developing the Zillow Super App, a comprehensive platform that enables buyers and sellers to manage their transactions digitally.

    The Super App aims to bring together various services within one app, providing users with a seamless experience from start to finish. Wacksman highlighted the complexity of this project, requiring collaboration between multiple parties to create a one-stop shop. He also discussed Zillow's acquisition of Virtual Staging AI, which enables virtual staging and further integrates technology into the real estate industry.

    When asked how Zillow positions its technology for the benefit of agents, Wacksman emphasized that innovation is essential for staying competitive in today's market. "Today's innovation is tomorrow's table stakes," he said, noting that technology pushes consumers forward and requires agents to adapt. He reassured agents that Zillow's mission is to handle the technical aspects, allowing them to focus on real estate.

    Wacksman also discussed how Zillow aims to empower buyers and sellers by providing more tools and information. This, in turn, enables agents to work with higher-intent leads who are better educated about the process. He acknowledged that balancing agent and brokerage needs with seller wants is crucial, but emphasized that consumer empowerment ultimately benefits both parties.

    The conversation concluded with Wacksman sharing his thoughts on the National Association of Realtors' Clear Cooperation Policy (CCP). He argued that an open marketplace benefits everyone involved, including consumers and agents, and that policies like CCP ensure most listings are available to buyers and sellers.