Where You Search Matters
The ubiquitous StreetEasy app has become the default search platform for many New Yorkers, thanks in part to years of clever advertising—most recently targeting those who regret moving out of the city. The app makes it easy to search from your phone, set up alerts, access property history, and even read research reports. But what many don’t realize is that StreetEasy (owned by Zillow) is anything but easy—and it’s not the most reliable source of truth. The only platform directly linked to the REBNY Residential Listing Service (RLS) is the one you should trust.
After years of conversations with frustrated buyers and sellers, I decided to launch my own NYC real estate search app. Here's why:
I recently spoke with a longtime townhouse owner—an extremely successful individual—who needed an accurate valuation of his home for estate planning. The number he found on StreetEasy was wildly inaccurate because he’d owned the property for decades and recent comps weren't available. He was surprised to learn that StreetEasy’s core business model isn’t data integrity but lead generation: selling buyer leads to agents and charging daily for rental listings. He had assumed it functioned more like a public database, akin to CoreLogic or Attom Data.
It’s worth remembering that Zillow shut down its iBuying program in 2021 after it failed to predict home prices accurately. Not much about the data has improved since then. A knowledgeable local agent remains essential for assessing real value after you have your online estimate. I always offer valuations so owners can check the estimated value of their property at their leisure—but I never rely on Zillow products to do so. Here's why StreetEasy’s data may fall short:
Incomplete Rental Information
Until a few years ago, StreetEasy scraped its listings from the RLS. Then, it pivoted—requiring agents to enter listings manually for both rentals and sales. Soon after, they implemented daily rental listing fees, which began at $3/day and now stand at $7/day. As a matter of business practice, I don’t list my rentals on StreetEasy. There are plenty of platforms—Corcoran.com, Apartments.com, Homes.com, and others—that syndicate directly from the RLS without charging agents.
Recently, I rented a one-bedroom apartment within a week of listing it. It went for well above the asking price, and the landlord was thrilled. That unit was never listed on StreetEasy. This is not unusual. As more agents opt out of the fee-based model, StreetEasy’s rental listings have become increasingly incomplete.
Misleading “Experts” Program
StreetEasy promotes its Experts Program as “a network of NYC real estate agents and teams with verified experience helping clients buy or sell in specific buildings, neighborhoods, or property types.” I tested it using one of my own listings—a two-bedroom, two-bathroom condo in a building I know intimately. I was the sales director for the developer when the building launched. I’ve lived there for the past decade and personally handled about 25% of all resale transactions. I also know the agents who’ve handled the rest.
Yet the agent StreetEasy identified as the “expert” had never sold a single unit in the building. Why were they listed? Because they paid to be there—specifically, they agreed to give StreetEasy 35% of any commission earned from leads through the program. That number could rise, making it even less appealing for truly knowledgeable agents to participate. It’s a pay-to-play model, not an expertise-driven one.
New Exclusions Now Apply to Sales Listings
Zillow recently announced it will no longer include all MLS listings. Under its new policy, any property marketed publicly—via signs, social media, open houses, or brokerage websites—must be entered into the MLS within one business day, or it will be excluded from Zillow platforms, including StreetEasy.
That’s a problem—especially in a high-net-worth market like New York City, where sellers often prefer a discreet sale. Some owners ask their agent to quietly market a property to a trusted circle of brokers who might have qualified buyers. These sellers value privacy and control. Under the new rules, if they later decide to list publicly, they may be barred from doing so on the two most trafficked platforms.
Final Thought
StreetEasy remains a popular search tool, but it's essential to understand its limitations—and its business model. A truly accurate, full-picture view of the NYC real estate market doesn’t come from algorithms or paid placements. It comes from experience, integrity, and access to the right data. That’s why I created a tool that connects directly to the RLS—and why I continue to believe there’s no substitute for local expertise.
