Why You Should Not Contact the Listing Agent or Click “Request a Showing” on Zillow

Many buyers assume the fastest way to see a home is to contact the listing agent or click the “request a showing” button on Zillow. It seems simple. But doing this often puts you at a disadvantage before the process even begins.

The listing agent works for the seller. Their job is to represent the seller’s interests, not yours. When you contact them directly or use a showing button on a portal, you are often connecting with someone whose responsibility is to negotiate the best outcome for the seller.

A better approach is to work with your own buyer’s agent who represents you throughout the entire process.

What the Listing Agent Actually Does

The listing agent’s role is to help the seller achieve the best possible outcome. That includes getting the highest price and the strongest terms.

This means their responsibilities include:

• Marketing the home for the seller
• Managing showings and open houses
• Negotiating offers in the seller’s favor
• Advising the seller during inspections and negotiations

If you contact the listing agent directly, you are essentially speaking with the person hired to negotiate against you.

The Problem With Dual Representation

In some cases, a listing agent may offer to represent both the buyer and the seller. This is called dual agency or dual representation.

When this happens, the agent cannot fully advocate for either party. They must remain neutral.

For buyers, that can create a difficult situation:

• The agent cannot advise you on how much to offer
• The agent cannot guide you through negotiation strategy
• The agent cannot advocate strongly for price reductions or repairs

In competitive markets like many towns across Connecticut and Massachusetts, strong representation can make a major difference in whether you win or lose a home.

What Happens When You Click “Request a Showing” on Zillow

Many buyers believe the showing request button connects them directly with the listing agent. This is not what happens.

Zillow routes these requests to agents who pay for advertising on the platform or an agent who will pay them a commission when the house sells. That agent likely has no relationship with the home you are viewing.

The result can be confusing:

• You may speak with a random agent who paid for leads
• That agent may know little about the property
• You may end up switching agents later in the process

This creates friction at the very beginning of your home search.

Why Working With a Buyer’s Agent First Is Better

When you work with a buyer’s agent from the start, every showing request goes through someone who already understands your goals.

Your agent can help you:

• Schedule showings quickly
• Evaluate whether a property is priced correctly
• Research comparable sales
• Write a strong offer if you decide to move forward

Instead of starting fresh with a different agent every time you click a showing button, you have a consistent advisor guiding the entire process.

Buying a Home in Connecticut or Massachusetts

Real estate practices can vary by state. In Connecticut and Massachusetts, the process often involves attorneys, inspections, and detailed negotiation around contingencies.

Working with an experienced buyer’s agent helps you navigate those steps with a clear strategy.

Nick Gilham, Realtor, works with buyers across Connecticut and Massachusetts and helps clients plan their home search, connect with trusted lenders, and evaluate homes before making an offer.

If you are still early in the process, you may also want to read:

Who Do I Talk to About Buying a House?

The Simple Rule

If you see a home online that you want to tour, send it to your buyer’s agent instead of contacting the listing agent or clicking the showing button.

You will have someone representing your interests from the beginning, helping you evaluate the home, and guiding you through the offer process if you decide to move forward.

That single decision can make the entire home buying experience smoother and far more strategic.