Zillow launches Calendly-like instant booking for rental viewing • Zoo House News

The real estate market Zillow has introduced an instant booking function for tenants on its platform. The company now allows users to directly book a personalized tour at a convenient time, without having to contact an agent or property manager.

Previously, when someone needed to view a rental property, they either had to rely on a virtual tour on the platform or request a tour that put them in contact with a property manager, making the process cumbersome. Now users can book an appointment instantly – it works the same way as the meeting booking platform Calendly.

The company said instant booking functionality is available for tours at 2,600 rental properties, with more being added on a regular basis. The proptech startup also plans to add a feature that will allow users to choose the type of tour they want when scheduling — in-person, self-guided, or a live virtual tour.

According to a survey conducted by Zillow last year, 71% of users had up to four visits to a property before deciding to rent one. The platform therefore believes that it makes sense to simplify the scheduling process by eliminating the middleman like an agent.

“Touring is an important milestone in the journey to finding a rental property, and it is due for innovation,” Michael Sherman, vice president of Zillow Rentals, said in a written statement.

“Enabling renters to book a tour instantly removes barriers and provides a more seamless and convenient experience for renters and property managers. The time saved in scheduling appointments allows tenants to focus on finding their perfect home without worrying about when to view it, and gives property managers valuable time back for other important tasks.”

Zillow laid off 300 employees last October, impacting teams including Zillow Offer Advisors, sales and back-end staff at Zillow Home Loans and Zillow Closing Services.