How to Turn a Zestimate Into Your Next Big Marketing Win

Jerad Larkin
Sep 12
3 min read

Ever wonder how to turn Zillow’s Zestimate into a powerful marketing piece?

Here’s the quick answer: print the Zestimate before you sell, then after closing above that price, take a screenshot, put a big red “X” through it, and use it as a marketing piece to show how you crushed Zillow’s estimate.

Now let’s break down why this works, how to implement it, and how you can turn this one clever idea into multiple marketing opportunities.

Why the Zestimate Strategy Works

Homeowners are curious about their home value, and many rely on Zillow’s Zestimate as their first reference point. The problem? Zestimates are often inaccurate.

When you sell a home for more than the Zestimate, you’ve proven two things at once:

You outperformed the algorithm.
Your strategy as a real estate professional delivered results.

That’s a powerful story worth telling.

Step 1: Capture the Zestimate

Before your listing goes live:

Pull up the property on Zillow.
Print or screenshot the Zestimate page (make sure it shows the date).
Save it in your listing folder for later.

This is your “before” snapshot.

Step 2: Track the Final Sales Price

After closing, grab a screenshot of the final sold price from the MLS or Zillow once it updates.

Now you’ve got your “after” snapshot showing how much more you achieved compared to the Zestimate.

Step 3: Create the Visual

This is where the magic happens:

Take your “before” Zestimate screenshot.
Overlay a bold red “X” across it.
Add the final sold price with a headline like:
- “Sold for $X Above Zillow’s Estimate!”
- “Strategy > Algorithm”
- “Real Results Beat Automated Values”

You now have a powerful piece of marketing content.

Ways to Use This Marketing Piece

One clever idea can multiply across your business. Here are three ways to use your Zestimate marketing piece:

1. Social Media Post

Post it to Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or even TikTok with a short story:

Explain how you priced, marketed, and negotiated the property.
Highlight the seller’s win.
Invite future sellers to reach out if they want similar results.

2. Direct Mail Campaign

Design a postcard with the “before and after” side by side. Add a message like:

Neighbors love seeing results - especially when they outperform expectations.

3. Client Success Story

Turn it into a longer case study:

Write a one-page flyer or blog post about the strategy.
Share the story in your email newsletter.
Add it to your pre-listing presentation as proof of your track record.

Why Sellers Love This Approach

It’s tangible. Sellers can see the side-by-side comparison.
It builds credibility. You’re not just telling them you’re good - you’re showing them with proof.
It feels like a win. Everyone loves beating the Zestimate.

And for you, it’s not just about this one sale - it’s about turning that win into more business.

Discover how to turn a Zillow Zestimate into a powerful real estate marketing piece. Learn the step-by-step strategy to showcase results, attract sellers, and grow your business.

Pro Tips to Take It Further

Add a testimonial. Pair the Zestimate marketing piece with a seller review.
Leverage video. Record a quick reel walking through the before/after.
Build it into your listing presentation. Show future sellers that your strategy consistently outperforms online estimates.

Your job as a real estate professional isn’t just to sell homes - it’s to market results. Using the Zestimate as a benchmark, then showing how you outperformed it, gives you a ready-made story that homeowners can instantly understand.

Turn one clever idea into a social media post, a direct mail piece, and a client success story - and watch it attract your next listing.