How To List On Zillow Via Appfolio: A Step-by-Step Guide

Managing rental properties efficiently requires streamlining your processes, and that includes getting your listings in front of as many potential tenants as possible. Zillow is a powerhouse in the online rental market, and Appfolio is a leading property management software. Connecting the two can significantly simplify your listing process and boost your occupancy rates. This guide will walk you through how to list your properties on Zillow directly from Appfolio.

This integration saves you time and ensures consistency across your marketing efforts. Instead of manually entering property details on multiple platforms, you can manage everything from one central location. Let's dive into the steps required to get your Appfolio listings appearing on Zillow.

1. Ensure You Have an Appfolio Account and Zillow Rental Manager Account

This might seem obvious, but it's crucial. You need active accounts on both platforms.

  • Appfolio: If you're already using Appfolio for property management, you're all set here. If not, you'll need to sign up for an account. Choose the plan that best fits your portfolio size and needs.
  • Zillow Rental Manager: Head over to Zillow Rental Manager and create a free account. This is where your listings will be managed on the Zillow platform. Make sure the email address you use for Zillow Rental Manager is the same one you use for your Zillow profile.

2. Activate the Zillow Syndication Feature in Appfolio

This is the key step that unlocks the integration. You need to enable Zillow syndication within your Appfolio account.

  • Navigate to Settings: In Appfolio, go to the "Settings" menu. This is usually found in the top right corner of the screen.
  • Find the Marketing Section: Look for a section related to marketing or advertising. It might be labeled "Marketing," "Listings," or something similar.
  • Enable Zillow Syndication: Within the marketing settings, you should find an option to syndicate your listings to Zillow. It might be a checkbox or a toggle switch. Enable this feature.
  • Accept the Terms and Conditions: You'll likely be presented with terms and conditions related to Zillow syndication. Read them carefully and accept them to proceed.

3. Configure Your Listing Defaults in Appfolio (Optional, But Recommended)

Setting up listing defaults in Appfolio can save you time when creating individual property listings. These defaults will automatically populate certain fields, reducing the need for manual entry.

  • Access Listing Defaults: In the same marketing or listing settings area, look for an option to configure listing defaults.
  • Set Common Values: Define default values for fields like lease terms, pet policies, application fees, and security deposit amounts. These values will be applied to new listings automatically.
  • Review and Save: Double-check your default settings and save them. Remember, you can always override these defaults on a per-listing basis.

4. Create or Edit Your Property Listings in Appfolio

Now it's time to create or edit your property listings in Appfolio. Ensure that all the necessary information is accurate and complete. High-quality listings attract more qualified leads.

  • Navigate to Properties: Go to the "Properties" section of Appfolio.
  • Create a New Listing or Edit an Existing One: Choose the property you want to list on Zillow. If it's a new property, create a new listing. If it's an existing property, edit the listing.
  • Fill Out All Required Fields: Pay close attention to required fields, such as address, rent amount, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and property description.
  • Write a Compelling Description: Craft a detailed and engaging property description that highlights the key features and benefits of the property. Mention amenities, nearby attractions, and any unique selling points.
  • Upload High-Quality Photos: This is crucial! Use high-resolution photos that showcase the property in its best light. Include photos of all the main rooms, as well as exterior shots. Consider hiring a professional photographer for the best results.
  • Specify Amenities: Accurately list all the amenities offered by the property, such as in-unit laundry, parking, a swimming pool, or a fitness center.
  • Set Availability: Indicate when the property will be available for rent.
  • Verify Zillow Syndication: Make sure the "Syndicate to Zillow" option is enabled for this specific listing. It's usually a checkbox within the listing details.

5. Publish Your Listings to Zillow

Once you've created or edited your property listings in Appfolio, it's time to publish them to Zillow.

  • Save Your Listing: After completing all the necessary fields and uploading photos, save your listing in Appfolio.
  • Check the Syndication Status: After saving, Appfolio should automatically syndicate the listing to Zillow. You can usually check the syndication status within the listing details. It might say "Pending," "Published," or "Failed."
  • Allow Time for Processing: It can take some time for Zillow to process and publish your listing. Be patient.
  • Verify on Zillow: After a reasonable amount of time (usually within 24-48 hours), check Zillow to make sure your listing is appearing correctly. Search for your property by address.

6. Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes, things don't go as smoothly as planned. Here are some common issues you might encounter and how to troubleshoot them:

  • Listing Not Appearing on Zillow:
    • Check Syndication Status in Appfolio: Make sure the syndication status is "Published" and not "Pending" or "Failed."
    • Verify Zillow Account: Ensure you're logged into the correct Zillow Rental Manager account.
    • Check for Errors: Look for any error messages in Appfolio related to Zillow syndication.
    • Contact Appfolio Support: If you're still having trouble, contact Appfolio support for assistance.
  • Inaccurate Information on Zillow:
    • Edit Listing in Appfolio: Make the necessary corrections in Appfolio and save the listing. The changes should automatically sync to Zillow.
    • Allow Time for Updates: It may take some time for the updates to reflect on Zillow.
  • Photos Not Displaying Correctly:
    • Re-upload Photos: Try re-uploading the photos in Appfolio.
    • Check Photo Size and Format: Ensure the photos meet Zillow's requirements for size and format.

7. Managing and Updating Your Listings

Once your listings are live on Zillow, it's important to manage and update them regularly to keep them fresh and accurate.

  • Make Updates in Appfolio: Any changes you make to your listings in Appfolio will automatically sync to Zillow.
  • Monitor Performance: Track the performance of your listings on Zillow to see how many views and inquiries they're generating. This can help you optimize your listings for better results.
  • Respond to Inquiries Promptly: Respond to inquiries from potential tenants as quickly as possible. This shows that you're responsive and professional.
  • Mark Properties as Unavailable: When a property is rented, mark it as unavailable in Appfolio. This will automatically remove the listing from Zillow.

Conclusion: Streamline Your Rental Listing Process

Listing on Zillow via Appfolio is a powerful way to streamline your rental listing process and reach a wider audience of potential tenants. By following these steps, you can easily integrate the two platforms and manage your listings from one central location. Remember to keep your listings accurate and up-to-date, and respond to inquiries promptly to maximize your chances of finding the perfect tenants for your properties. The time saved by this integration can be reinvested in other aspects of your property management business, leading to increased efficiency and profitability. Good luck!