We all love Zillow. It’s like the Tinder of house hunting, swipe left, swipe right, and dream big. But here’s the truth bomb: Zillow only shows you the highlight reel. The real home buying game? That’s played behind the scenes.

Here are 7 insider home buying tips that Zillow won’t tell you but we will.

1. Loop in Your Lender Early
   Before you fall in love with a home, talk to a local lender, like us! Getting pre-approved not only clarifies your budget, it also gives you an edge in a competitive market. Apps can’t help you strategize based on your specific goals, but a lender can.
   
   
2. Off-Market Listings Are Like Hidden Treasure
   Many of the best deals never hit the apps. Your real estate agent may know about off-market listings, price drops, or homes coming soon that aren’t public yet. Zillow can’t show you what it doesn’t know exists.
   
   
3. Sticker Price Is Just the Tip of the Iceberg
   Zillow shows you the price, but what about property taxes, HOA fees, insurance, and that quirky old roof needing a fix? These add up fast, and apps won’t warn you. We’ll help you avoid any wallet shock later.
   
   
4. Neighborhood Vibes Don’t Show on a Map
   Walkability scores and school ratings are great, but they don’t tell you how a neighborhood feels. Does it fit your lifestyle? How’s the traffic at rush hour? What’s the noise level on weekends? Can the app tell you if your neighbors throw wild BBQs every weekend? Nope. Real locals do.
   
   
5. Don’t Shop for the Cheapest Inspector
   The inspection is one of your most important protections during the buying process. A quality inspector might charge more, but they’ll help you avoid costly surprises later. Zillow won’t warn you about cheap inspectors cutting corners, your team will.
   
   
6. Staging Is Like Makeup for Houses
   It’s easy to get swept up by beautiful furniture and perfect lighting. But staging is designed to distract you from flaws. Take a step back and assess layout, condition, and functionality. We’ve all heard it, but for real, AI can trick you.
   
   
7. There’s More Than One Way to Finance Your Home
   Apps might offer basic calculators or “pre-qual” buttons, but they don’t tailor solutions to you. Whether it’s a USDA, FHA, VA, or conventional loan, or even down payment assistance, your financing should match your long-term goals. A local lender helps you make smart, personalized decisions.

‍Ready to Go Beyond the App?
At My City Home Loans, we bring the human side back into home financing. We’ll guide you from pre-approval to closing and everything in between with expert insights Zillow can’t offer.

 Let’s talk strategy. Contact us today to get pre-approved and start your search with confidence.