Redfin and Zillow launched their direct-to-consumer home buying and selling programs in Texas.
On Monday, the two Seattle-based companies separately announced the introduction of Zillow Offers in Houston and RedfinNow in Dallas.
Through Zillow Offers, Zillow buys homes directly from sellers and re-lists them for sale after minor renovation work. Zillow already had launched the program in Atlanta, Charlotte, Denver, Las Vegas, Phoenix and Raleigh.
Zillow, which works with local brokerages to buy and sell homes, is working in Houston with Mark Dimas Properties.
The launch of RedfinNow in Dallas is the first expansion of the program beyond California, where it is now available in Los Angeles, San Diego, Orange County and Inland Empire.
Consumers pay a 7 percent fee service for using the RedfinNow service. Consumers who choose to sell homes through a Redfin agent, instead of selling directly to Redfin, pay a 1 percent listing fee and usually another 2.5 percent to 3 percent to cover the commission of the buyer’s agent.
Redfin also is expanding its brokerage operations, mortgage services and title services to Dallas to serve home buyers and sellers.
Redin and Zillow have competition in the Lone Star State. Home buying and selling platforms Opendoor and Offerpad both operate in Houston and Dallas. Knock also operates in Dallas, where Zillow Offers is expected to launch later this year. [Inman] – Mike Seemuth