Photo: Tada Images (Shutterstock)
We’ve written a handful of times in this real-estate boom about the collective obsession with Zillow doom-scrolling—looking at and dreaming about buying homes you definitely cannot afford. Zillow has now made it easier to compare the details of said homes with its new side-by-side tool, which gives you a snapshot of more than 70 variables on up to five properties at once.
In all seriousness, if you’re actually looking to buy, this new feature could be really helpful because you don’t have to click back and forth between individual listings. Here’s how to do a side-by-side comparison of Zillow listings on the website and app.
How to save and compare homes on Zillow
In order to “favorite” properties to compare side-by-side, you’ll need to create and log into a Zillow account. Next, head to the main Zillow page and enter the zip code or city you want to search. Click the heart icon on any listings you want to save and compare.
Once you’re ready to see the side-by-side, select Saved Homes in the upper-right corner. On the next screen, select the Compare checkbox. You can compare up to five properties at once. Tap the blue Compare button at the bottom of the screen.
Screenshot: Emily Long
From there, you’ll get a table of details to compare, from the basics (list price, square footage, number of bedrooms and bathrooms) to the nitty-gritty (number of parking spaces, HOA fees, school ratings).
Screenshot: Emily Long
You can also use the side-by-side function on the Zillow mobile app. Tap Saved Homes (List View) > + Compare and select the homes you want to compare. Then tap the Compare button underneath the final property listing. With the app, you can also send the comparison to a partner or real estate agent using the share icon or add notes and tags to listings.
