Skip to content
×
PRO
Pro Members Get Full Access!
Get off the sidelines and take action in real estate investing with BiggerPockets Pro. Our comprehensive suite of tools and resources minimize mistakes, support informed decisions, and propel you to success.
Advanced networking features
Market and Deal Finder tools
Property analysis calculators
Landlord Command Center
$0
TODAY
$69.00/month when billed monthly.
$32.50/month when billed annually.
7 day free trial. Cancel anytime
Already a Pro Member? Sign in here

Join Over 3 Million Real Estate Investors

Create a free BiggerPockets account to comment, participate, and connect with over 3 million real estate investors.
Use your real name
By signing up, you indicate that you agree to the BiggerPockets Terms & Conditions.
The community here is like my own little personal real estate army that I can depend upon to help me through ANY problems I come across.
Real Estate Technology
All Forum Categories
Followed Discussions
Followed Categories
Followed People
Followed Locations
Market News & Data
General Info
Real Estate Strategies
Landlording & Rental Properties
Real Estate Professionals
Financial, Tax, & Legal
Real Estate Classifieds
Reviews & Feedback

Updated over 1 year ago, 06/20/2023

User Stats

6
Posts
2
Votes
Brendan Carroll
  • Ottawa, ON
2
Votes |
6
Posts

Anyone making use of the Zillow API with Excel?

Brendan Carroll
  • Ottawa, ON
Posted

First post!

I really hope I haven't missed a discussion on this, I've tried doing a search on it here, and it mostly leads to discussions about how inaccurate Zillow is. :) Be that as it may, I am interested in using Zillow Zestimates, "Last Sold" values, and the most recent property tax assessment values, in a property analysis spreadsheet I am trying to put together.

Input: Homepath bulk .csv file
Output: Same file with the above Zillow information added.

I have come across a site that does this automatically, but the rates seem steep for what you get out of it. zim.ca. "Zestimates In Minutes".

I see a number of similar projects have been posted on freelancer.com, so I may just contact someone there to whip something up for me.

Looking forward to taking part in the BP community.

User Stats

413
Posts
114
Votes
Mike Jakobczak
  • Real Estate Investor
  • Toronto, Ontario
114
Votes |
413
Posts
Mike Jakobczak
  • Real Estate Investor
  • Toronto, Ontario
Replied

yea zillow doesn't have the greatest response on here. I wouldn't really ever pay for comps. Since I have agents I use on a daily basis to help determine after repair values for properties.

User Stats

188
Posts
116
Votes
Jesse Tsai
  • Investor
  • Las Vegas, NV
116
Votes |
188
Posts
Jesse Tsai
  • Investor
  • Las Vegas, NV
Replied

Hi Brendan,

Something like what you described can be programmed quite inexpensively (I'd be surprised if you paid over $200) at rentacoder.com or any of the other freelance sites.

Thats a route I would recommend over zim.ca

CLOSED Title logo
CLOSED Title
|
Sponsored
CLOSED Title is the Investor Friendly Title Company CLOSED Title, founded by real estate investors. Double closings, assignments, we do it all.

User Stats

6
Posts
2
Votes
Brendan Carroll
  • Ottawa, ON
2
Votes |
6
Posts
Brendan Carroll
  • Ottawa, ON
Replied

@Mike This tool would mainly be used for analyzing markets, not really "buying comps". Once I find an area that looks good on paper, I can engage realtors for real ARV comps. I then bring those values back into the tool, to properly crunch the numbers, and see if that area is still worth looking in to.

User Stats

2,150
Posts
3,298
Votes
Chris Clothier
Professional Services
Pro Member
#4 Ask About A Real Estate Company Contributor
  • Rental Property Investor
  • memphis, TN
3,298
Votes |
2,150
Posts
Chris Clothier
Professional Services
Pro Member
#4 Ask About A Real Estate Company Contributor
  • Rental Property Investor
  • memphis, TN
Replied

Brendan Carroll I do not know of an API for this, but while I applaud you for the in-depth research and obvious due-diligence you are performing, Zillow is not a very reliable source for data- especially their estimating algorithm. Unfortunately, Zillow cannot tell you the difference between two identical side by side homes even when one can be completely remodeled and the other can be completely burnt out.

It did not sound from your follow up post that you were using this for anything other than market identification, which is good, but I still think advice from fellow investors followed by local market research such as data provided by COC's as well as local property records and realtors associations may be the best accurate data you can find.

Just my .02 - All the best,

Chris

business profile image
REI Nation
4.1 stars
35 Reviews

User Stats

6
Posts
2
Votes
Brendan Carroll
  • Ottawa, ON
2
Votes |
6
Posts
Brendan Carroll
  • Ottawa, ON
Replied

@Chris I agree 100%. Purely a high level view.

Zillow should be pretty accurate when it comes to previous sale prices I would think (simply querying public record). By the same token, I am going to assume that it can grab the latest assessed value for tax purposes as well. These are handy tidbits to have (the former, mostly for marketing purposes).

User Stats

96
Posts
23
Votes
KC Zhang
  • Flipper
  • Elmhurst, IL
23
Votes |
96
Posts
KC Zhang
  • Flipper
  • Elmhurst, IL
Replied

@Brendan, I am thinking about the a tool like this for few days. I even created a requirement document and plan to have it developed. Very straight forward program, input a list of properties information (address, # of br, # of ba, sqft, etc), go to Zillow and get Zestimate and rent estimate.

Programming efforts is very limited, since Zillow has open API. I will let you guys know if I have it developed.

Casey

User Stats

488
Posts
121
Votes
Danny Day
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Houston, TX
121
Votes |
488
Posts
Danny Day
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Houston, TX
Replied

I didn't use the Zillow API, but what I did do was create a list (sorted A-Z) of all the neighborhoods in the zip codes I'm interested in. Then, I created two columns next to it stated 3/2 and 4/2. I went through the MLS and pulled rental comps for each neighborhood for a 3/2 and a 4/2.

I went back to the original SFR rental analyzer spreadsheet, and would input the information into the house I wanted to look up. Neighborhood, bed, bath, etc. Then I would use the vlookup function to pull the rental rate for the specific home in the neighborhood.

Works great, takes a little time up front to get running but I love it.

User Stats

54
Posts
11
Votes
Shan K.
  • San Diego, CA
11
Votes |
54
Posts
Shan K.
  • San Diego, CA
Replied

For any property I analyze I like to quickly calculate the CAP. As a part of my 5 minute analysis for the property I need to leave the spreadsheet and go to Zillow for rent estimate . I wish I could have the spreadsheet figure this out automatically.

If this feature was available I would be more productive . I am seriously looking into investing in a tool like that.  

@KC 

@KC Zhang have you made any progress on this ? Would you like to team up ?

If anyone interested in brainstorming and coming up with a set of requirements , please contact me.

User Stats

470
Posts
348
Votes
Eric P.
  • New York City, NY
348
Votes |
470
Posts
Eric P.
  • New York City, NY
Replied

@Brendan Carroll @Shan K. @KC Zhang Yeah I'd be interested in this as well, but wouldn't it be more helpful to also extract the crime rating & school rating from Zillow or Trulia? Otherwise you're just gonna find amazing rent ratios in ghetto areas which isn't really helpful

User Stats

54
Posts
11
Votes
Shan K.
  • San Diego, CA
11
Votes |
54
Posts
Shan K.
  • San Diego, CA
Replied

Let's make list of features that community members like to see. Then we can crowd source the development. 

I would like to see

1. Automatic rent estimate using zrentestimate , plus couple of other sources 

2. Automatic zestimate , realtor.com estimate

3. School ratings -TBD Sources 

4. Crime rating - TBD sources 

5. Demography - Sources 

6. Automatic CAP calculation using estimates

User Stats

25
Posts
4
Votes
Sam Yi
  • Investor
  • Chicago, IL
4
Votes |
25
Posts
Sam Yi
  • Investor
  • Chicago, IL
Replied

I'd also be interested in this tool as well. I'm not sure about getting anything useful coded on rentacoder for $200. I've used several of these sites and have found all of them very underwhelming. Unless all you're looking to do is a simple logo.

User Stats

218
Posts
49
Votes
Jose Guevarra
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Mira Mesa, CA
49
Votes |
218
Posts
Jose Guevarra
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Mira Mesa, CA
Replied

The biggest problem I've found is the input data itself.  zillow doesn't let you search by APN through its API.  Assessor address data is a organized a little differently in each county and each county's addresses have to be processed differently when using it to search zillow. I'm sure you would have the same issue when pulling data from other sites. 

1-800 Accountant logo
1-800 Accountant
|
Sponsored
Unlock Year-End Real Estate Tax Savings: Buy your accounting services now and deduct them on your 2024 taxes. Flat rate, never hourly.

User Stats

6
Posts
6
Votes
Tony Rumans
  • Liberty, MO
6
Votes |
6
Posts
Tony Rumans
  • Liberty, MO
Replied

Hey everyone! I've developed using the Zillow API (I have even had a call with the CEO!). If this is a tool I could use for myself then I don't mind putting in the development time and sharing it with everyone. That's a win win for everyone: Everyone gets a free tool and I get to make some friends in the process. Please let me know if this is an option you all would consider

- Tony 

User Stats

25
Posts
4
Votes
Sam Yi
  • Investor
  • Chicago, IL
4
Votes |
25
Posts
Sam Yi
  • Investor
  • Chicago, IL
Replied

What are you planning on building Tony? Please keep us posted on your plans. I'd love to help in any way I can.

User Stats

6
Posts
6
Votes
Tony Rumans
  • Liberty, MO
6
Votes |
6
Posts
Tony Rumans
  • Liberty, MO
Replied

I was going to go off of community requirements. If someone wants to put together a detailed requirement I can get started on something. I'll start with 1 piece of functionality and keep going from there. Whether it's working with data from an API or building some sort of form for doing calculations I'll get something started at least.

User Stats

19
Posts
10
Votes
Matt Murphy
  • Investor
  • Laveen, AZ
10
Votes |
19
Posts
Matt Murphy
  • Investor
  • Laveen, AZ
Replied

Shan's list was a good start.  Is there also a good means to see what have been sold in an area in the last x days and figure out a $ per sq foot range?

I'd definitely be open to contributing towards development of a tool like this.

Here is what Shan called out above.

1. Automatic rent estimate using zrentestimate , plus couple of other sources

2. Automatic zestimate , realtor.com estimate

3. School ratings -TBD Sources

4. Crime rating - TBD sources

5. Demography - Sources

6. Automatic CAP calculation using estimates

User Stats

54
Posts
11
Votes
Shan K.
  • San Diego, CA
11
Votes |
54
Posts
Shan K.
  • San Diego, CA
Replied

Hi Guys,

Thanks for expressing interest in developing a tool that will automate the deal analysis process. Here is updated somewhat refined wish list.

1. Start with Zestimate , redfin estimate. For members with MLS access do accurate MLS CMA analysis

Source:Zillow/IDX( Broker Reciprocity)

2. Estimate the rent

    Source: zrentestimate/rentometer 

3. School ratings 

      Source: greatschools.org

4. Demography , Determine Neighborhood rating A,B or C 

    a) Crime

    b) Median income

5. Estimate Expenses

    a) Estimate property tax data

    b) Estimate Insurance cost

7. CAP rate using 50% rule

8. Estimate COC

Additionally thinking about a google chrome plugin which will automatically hot-link the property address on any webpage. When link is clicked it will take you to the page with above analysis. 

@Tony 

@Tony Rumans , @Matt Murphy, @Sam Yi and others I need help , support to make this happen.  

User Stats

19
Posts
10
Votes
Matt Murphy
  • Investor
  • Laveen, AZ
10
Votes |
19
Posts
Matt Murphy
  • Investor
  • Laveen, AZ
Replied

Definitely, let me know how I can help.  I've got a pretty solid IT background, though I am not a programmer/developer.

User Stats

54
Posts
11
Votes
Shan K.
  • San Diego, CA
11
Votes |
54
Posts
Shan K.
  • San Diego, CA
Replied

I have created a ppt with initial spec and proposal to crowdfund. Let me know what you think

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1tKrxGk7EvA...

User Stats

6
Posts
6
Votes
Tony Rumans
  • Liberty, MO
6
Votes |
6
Posts
Tony Rumans
  • Liberty, MO
Replied

That looks great! Of all of the points listed there, one of them stood out the most to me: May be required to pay third party data access fee. 

On one project I worked on a while back I quickly learned that there is not really one single source for MLS data. Some sites have tried to combine data from all of the MLS sources but there are some limitations and the API access is not cheap. www.ihouseweb.com has 531 MLS sources and they still don't have them all. Plus, even though they may have access to a single MLS source, you may still have to pay that MLS source directly in order to get the data. 

I have worked with Heartland MLS (Kansas City area) in the past and one way I've found to help get me closer to what I want is to create data exports within MLS (to csv format) and import them into a database. Once they are there I identify each field (Address Line 1, Zip, HOA fees, etc.). Below is what I've created in the past:

And once selected:

Everything you see there is a link to some external source which passes either the MLS# or the address to a Google search. Basically all of the data that was exported is imported back to my site and is searchable and calculations can be done. Development didn't get much further than what you see but it was a start. I was thinking that I could plug in some numbers that I found from those external sites and it would do the calculations right there on the page, instead of trying to automate it all. The level of effort to get something like that going for an unlimited # of sites is just too high. Again, this was being built for my own use.

It is also capable of pulling in data from the Zillow API but per Zillow's API terms & conditions, none of the data can be stored in the database. An API call has to be made for every request and those requests are limited to a certain number per day and anything over that you have to pay for. And since you can not store their data you can't really get historical data (archiving/data warehousing) to see what has happenned with a property over time.

Having said all of that... I think we should start small... Baby Steps (any What About Bob? fans?) Maybe a simple calculator that can address one piece of this puzzle and then build up from there.

Please let me know your thoughts!

 - Tony

User Stats

1
Posts
3
Votes
Dan Mau
  • Saint Paul, MN
3
Votes |
1
Posts
Dan Mau
  • Saint Paul, MN
Replied

I created an Excel VBA Spreadsheet with code to do something similar to what is being discussed, but my focus has been on locating MF properties for buy-and-hold CF (attached screenshot).

The goal of the spreadsheet to was quickly analyze a large amount of potential listings to locate those with the highest CF potential.

Since I am working with a Realtor, I developed the analysis spreadsheet to start with a predefined MLS search.

It works like this:

1 - Set up MLS searches for interested areas/property types

2 - Plug the MLS search URL into the spreadsheet

3 - The analysis sheet scrapes the MLS results, pulling addresses, prices, number of units, etc...

4 - The analysis sheet then runs each property through Rentometer.com, and returns the estimated rent per unit

5 - The spreadsheet has built-in formulas to calculate/estimate expenses, NOI, CF, CAP, COC, etc...

The Zillow APIs seem to be limited to returning queries for single properties, so it should not be too difficult to develop a similar spreadsheet using API calls to quickly analyze individual properties.

User Stats

1,033
Posts
783
Votes
James Mc Ree
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Malvern, PA
783
Votes |
1,033
Posts
James Mc Ree
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Malvern, PA
Replied

@Dan Mau - Can you share your creation?

thanks, Jim.

NREIG  logo
NREIG
|
Sponsored
Customizable insurance coverage with a program that’s easy to use Add, edit, and remove properties from your account any time with no minimum-earned premiums.

User Stats

8
Posts
6
Votes
Michael Kennedy
  • Charleston, SC
6
Votes |
8
Posts
Michael Kennedy
  • Charleston, SC
Replied

I second that! @Dan Mau please share are you wouldn't mind. 

I found my way to this page because I was considering creating a VBA Excel spreadsheet to click through my county property records GUI to copy, format, and paste all of the relevant data for each property in the county so that I could easily look up properties for varying purchase prices and dates of purchase as a means of quickly sorting and evaluating properties as is being discussed in this forum. Is anyone aware of a source for the information applicable to this type of tool, as it would save me some time? (My VBA is a little rusty...)

User Stats

246
Posts
136
Votes
William E.
  • Investor
  • Pearland, TX
136
Votes |
246
Posts
William E.
  • Investor
  • Pearland, TX
Replied

depending on the county, they will sometimes expose the database online.

not to give away my secret to the world, but in my area i have access to all the records and it is updated every two weeks. they even provide a sample database to plug in the information.

http://pdata.hcad.org/download/

User Stats

26
Posts
0
Votes
Matthew McCall-Stillman
  • Investor
  • Royal Oak, MI
0
Votes |
26
Posts
Matthew McCall-Stillman
  • Investor
  • Royal Oak, MI
Replied

Did Dan or Shan ever get any traction on these things? Very interesting stuff here.