So Your Clients Received a Zillow Home Loans Offer. Is It Legit?

When reviewing offers, the lender matters.

While your sellers are looking at those dollar signs, as a listing agent you’re trained to look past price. Instead you’re focusing on that pre-approval letter—because you know financing strength can make or break a deal.

So when an offer comes in backed by Zillow Home Loans, it’s fair to pause and ask:

• Is this just another crappy online loan provider?

• Is this going to close?

• Am I going to have a bunch of issues?

• Is this legit?

Short answer: yes, it’s legit, and yes it has the same chance of closing as any other mortgage.

(Longer answer below.)

Zillow Home Loans Is a Real, Direct Lender

Zillow Home Loans (ZHL) is not a lead-gen site, broker, or third-party middleman. It’s a direct mortgage lender, meaning the loan is originated, underwritten, and funded by Zillow Home Loans themselves.

This matters because:

• There’s no handoff between multiple companies

• Underwriting standards are consistent

• Communication is centralized and documented

In practice, it functions much like other large national lenders, just with better tech and more oversight.

Buyers Are Fully Underwritten (Not “Vibes-Based” Approved)

ZHL pre-approvals are not flimsy “click a button and hope” letters. Buyers go through:

• Income verification

• Asset review

• Credit review

• Debt-to-income analysis

In many cases, buyers are fully underwritten upfront, not conditionally approved later. That’s a strong position for a seller, especially in competitive markets.

Appraisals, Timelines, and Closings Are Standard

Once under contract, the process looks familiar:

• Licensed—local—appraisers

• Standard underwriting milestones

• Clear-to-close before settlement

ZHL is heavily metrics-driven, which means timelines are monitored closely. Delays are not good for Zillow’s business model, and they treat them accordingly.

While most lenders operate on a typical 30-day-close calendar, ZHL prides itself with regular 21 day closings—supporting your seller’s timeline flexibility if necessary. One of ZHL’s local representatives, Jarran Parker, prides himself on 18 day closings; he’s on the ball, communicates thoroughly with his clients, and gets things moving.

Dedicated Loan Officers (Actual Humans)

Each file is assigned to a specific loan officer and support team. This isn’t a call center roulette situation. For listing agents, this means:

• You can reach someone (expect a phone call from the lender shortly after receiving the offer—remember they may not have a local area code as their system is centralized so be on the lookout!)

• You can verify details

• You can get status updates when needed

That alone puts ZHL ahead of many online-only lenders. (And, actually, ahead of many “local” lenders too!)

Why You’re Seeing More Zillow Home Loans Offers

Zillow strongly encourages buyers using the Zillow platform to explore Zillow Home Loans. The goal is a smoother transaction with fewer disconnects between search, financing, and closing.

For sellers, that means:

• Buyers are already engaged and serious

• Financing is aligned with the platform driving the deal

• There’s added accountability on the buyer side

Zillow has a vested interest in seeing these transactions close successfully.

What This Means for Your Seller

A Zillow Home Loans-backed offer should be evaluated the same way you’d evaluate any strong, reputable lender:

• Review the terms

• Confirm the level of approval

• Verify timelines and contingencies

But it should not be dismissed simply because it’s Zillow. In many cases, it’s a solid, well-documented, and competitive offer.

The Bottom Line

Zillow Home Loans is:

• A legitimate direct lender

• Backed by full underwriting standards

• Focused on speed, transparency, and execution

If your seller receives an offer supported by Zillow Home Loans, it’s not a red flag. It’s a sign the buyer is serious and financially vetted.

And no, Zillow is not experimenting on your transaction. They like closings just as much as you do.

“Market Like You Gossip”: Spill the Tea Marketing

Have you ever noticed how fast people perk up when someone says, “Okay… don’t tell anyone I told you this, but…”

It’s like a universal instinct. Our ears sharpen, our curiosity spikes, and suddenly we’re paying attention. Marketing guru Jimmy Mackin distilled this perfectly with his now-famous list of “gossip-style hooks” that can be used in sales scripts, social captions, or video hooks. And honestly, they’re some of the most effective attention-grabbers you can use in modern marketing.

@jimmymackin’s Instagram

Because here’s the truth:
People don’t want another polished pitch. They want to feel like you’re letting them in on something. And when you market like you gossip, you create exactly that—intrigue, intimacy, and an irresistible urge to keep listening.

Why Gossip-Style Marketing Works

Think about the content you stop scrolling for.
It’s rarely the stiff, corporate-sounding stuff. It’s the content that feels like:

• A friend spilling a secret, sharing a story

• A hot tip you weren’t supposed to know

• A piece of insider info that makes you feel special for knowing it first

These hooks trigger curiosity and emotion at the exact moment you need a viewer to stop scrolling: the very beginning.

Gossip-style lines are magnetic because they break the pattern of typical marketing. Instead of “Let me tell you about this new listing,” you’re saying, “This isn’t official yet, but…” And immediately, the viewer is all in. Because… FOMO.

Examples of “Marketing Like You Gossip” in Action

Here are some real-world ways you can use Jimmy Mackin’s hooks to level up your Instagram Reels and Stories.

1. “This is between us but…”

“Okay this is just between us but I just spoke to the builder of this beautiful new home renovation on Mulberry Road, and they’re expecting it to be finished by March, selling for around $750,000. If you want me to dig up more details, DM me and I’ll get you the goss.”

2. “This isn’t official yet…”

“This isn’t exactly official yet but I might be bringing to market a 3 bedroom home in the Oak Section of Morrisville. Totally renovated, with really high-end finishes. I’m going seeing it tonight. Want me to send you some pics? DM me.”

3. “This might sound unbelievable…”

“This might sound unbelievable but buying this 2 bed, 2 bath home could actually cost you less than your rent. With 5% down at today’s average 6.1% rate, your monthly payment might be as low as $2,300. If this is more affordable than you expected, send me a DM.”

4. “I shouldn’t say this…”

“I probably shouldn’t say this but the sellers of a home in the Ericsson Estates just hinted they’d consider offers below list if someone comes in strong on terms. Want the details? I can fill you in.”

5. “Not everyone knows this yet…”

“Not everyone knows this yet, but the town is reviewing a plan that could add a dog park behind Knight Lane. If that passes, expect home values nearby to jump. I’ve got the tea if you want it.”

6. “You didn’t hear this from me…”

“You didn’t hear this from me, but there’s a lender offering a temporary buydown that could shave hundreds off your monthly payment for the first two years. Want the info?”

7. “I wasn’t planning on bringing this up…”

“I wasn’t planning on bringing this up, but an agent I met yesterday hinted at a Coming Soon that checks every box for first-time buyers. Two beds, fenced yard, updated kitchen. Want early access?”

Using hooks like these signals something important to your audience: you’re a plugged-in insider, someone who hears things before they hit the internet, someone who knows the market from the inside-out. And that makes people trust you more.

How to Start Using Gossip Hooks in Your Own Marketing

If you’re ready to spice up your content, start here:

• Pick one gossip-style line to open your Reel with this week. Pick a new one the week after. Continue.

• Use it in your Stories when talking about buyers, sellers, or market shifts.

• Add it to your email subject lines to boost open rates.

• Use it in conversation, especially during lead nurture calls.

The more natural it becomes, the more your audience will associate you with “insider info”—which, let’s be real, is exactly the reputation you want as a real estate professional.

Want More Tips Like This?

Follow @TheKollectiveAgent on Instagram for daily tips, scripts, and high-performing strategies to help you level up your business.

Marketing doesn’t have to be boring.
Sometimes all you need is a little… gossip.

Kollective Preferred Summit 2025: Master Your First 90 Days & Stay Motivated

The Kollective is hosting its inaugural Preferred Summit—and this year, it’s all about momentum. On Thursday December 4, agents across New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Delaware will come together for a half-day experience designed to sharpen the skills, systems, and mindset that fuel success in the Zillow Preferred (previously Flex) Partner Program.

Whether you’re tuning in online or joining one of our local watch parties, this summit is your opportunity to collaborate, learn, and get inspired by the agents who are setting the standard in performance and professionalism.

Event Details

📅 Date: Thursday, December 4, 2025
🕘 Time: 9am-1pm ET
🎥 Format: Live Online Broadcast + Local Watch Parties throughout NJ + PA

What You’ll Learn

The agenda is built around action—real strategies you can implement right away:

• Agent Mindset Panel: Winning Starts Within
  Confidence, accountability, and ownership—learn how top agents keep their drive every single day.

• Launching Strong on Zillow Preferred
  A step-by-step look at what works in your first 90 days, from profile setup to client rapport.

• Tech Deep Dive
  Master Follow Up Boss integrations, smart lists, and automations that give you back your time.

• Zillow Home Loans Best Practices
  Build trust and speed up transactions with smooth lender introductions.

• Metrics That Move the Needle
  Discover which numbers matter most and how to use them to guide your next move.

Why You Should Attend

The Kollective Preferred Summit isn’t about lectures—it’s about collaboration. You’ll walk away with new ideas, a stronger network, and the tools to crush your goals for Q1 and beyond. Plus, you’ll get the inside scoop on what’s next for Zillow Preferred and how to stay ahead of the curve.

This is your chance to connect, learn, and reignite your motivation before the new year.

Save Your Spot

Seats for the watch parties are limited, and virtual spots are already filling fast.
👉 Register now for The Kollective Preferred Summit 2025 by clicking here and join a community that’s redefining what partnership and performance look like.

New Real Luxury Office Opening in Haddonfield, New Jersey

Led by Industry Leaders Jeremiah Kobelka and Philip “Pip” Haxby-Thompson

A new era of luxury real estate is coming to South Jersey.

This October, a brand-new office under the banner of Real Broker is set to open at 310 N Haddon Avenue, Haddonfield, NJ 08033, providing a premium home base for top-performing agents focused on luxury listings.

Spearheaded by real estate entrepreneurs Jeremiah F. Kobelka and Philip “Pip” Haxby-Thompson, respectively President and Creative Director of Haddon Township’s JFKLiving Team, the office will serve as a hub for elite agents seeking to tap into South Jersey’s thriving luxury market while maintaining the independence and flexibility Real is known for.

The new space is not a JFKLiving Team expansion, but rather part of the Real Luxury Division—welcoming agents from any team or brand within Real who are ready to elevate their business. The office will feature modern amenities including private call booths, meeting rooms, and hot desks, all designed to support agents in delivering a white-glove client experience.

“This isn’t just an office—it’s an opportunity,” says Jeremiah Kobelka.

“We’re creating a collaborative space for agents who are serious about growing their business in the luxury market. Whether you're an independent agent or part of a team, this office is designed to support high-level professionals who want to take their careers to the next level.”

Real continues to be one of the fastest-growing real estate brokerages in the country, known for its agent-first model and innovative tech stack. The Haddonfield location will be one of the first luxury-focused Real offices in New Jersey.

“Real’s momentum is undeniable,” says Pip Haxby-Thompson. “As the fastest-growing brokerage in the US, we’re attracting some of the brightest talent in the industry. This new space in Haddonfield is the perfect example of how Real empowers agents to build their brand, their way—backed by a company that’s redefining what it means to be a brokerage.”

The Haddonfield office is scheduled to open on Thursday, October 9th 2025.

Agents interested in joining the Real Luxury Division or learning more about the space are encouraged to message Jeremiah here.

How to Switch Brokerages (Without Burning Bridges)

Leaving a brokerage can feel a lot like breaking up with someone:

• “It’s not you, it’s me… but actually, it’s a little bit you.”

Most agents don’t leave because they hate their colleagues or their office culture (though that happens too). More often, it’s because they’ve outgrown the environment, want different tools, see better splits, or are looking for a new kind of leadership.

Whatever your reason, the move itself can feel daunting. You don’t want to lose clients, upset your broker, or make the transition messier than it needs to be. So let’s break it down—both the logistics and the emotions—so you can leave with confidence, professionalism, and maybe even some friendships intact.

Step 1: Get Clear on Why You’re Leaving

Before you start writing your resignation email in your head during sales meetings, ask yourself:

• What’s missing for me here?

• Can I fix it without leaving?

• Will the new brokerage actually solve this problem, or just swap it for a shinier version?

Sometimes clarity alone can calm your nerves. And if leaving still feels like the right move, you’ll have a solid answer ready when people inevitably ask, “Why are you leaving?”

Step 2: Quietly Get Your Ducks in a Row

Think of this like moving houses—you don’t start hauling furniture out the front door before you’ve signed the lease on the new place.

• Line up your next brokerage first. Get your agreement signed, tools set up, and marketing pieces ready to go.

• Check your contracts. Some brokerages have non-solicitation or non-compete clauses (yes, even if they’re rarely enforced). Know the rules so you don’t accidentally step into legal hot water.

• Wrap up your transactions. Ideally, you don’t want messy pending deals hanging in limbo. Smooth closings mean fewer headaches.

Step 3: The Actual Breakup

Keep it short, professional, and respectful. A few tips:

• Do it in person or over a call, not just an email.

• Avoid the laundry list of grievances—it rarely goes over well.

• Focus on gratitude: “I’ve learned a lot here, I appreciate the opportunities, but I’m moving in a different direction.”

It doesn’t have to be Shakespeare. Clear and kind wins.

Step 4: Handle the Emotional Side

This is the part nobody talks about…

You’ll probably feel guilty, anxious, or like you’re “betraying” your broker and colleagues. That’s normal. But remember: this is business. Good brokers know agents move on—it happens all the time.

And if you’re worried about losing friendships? The good ones will stick. Your happy hours and coffee chats don’t have to disappear just because your email signature does.

Step 5: Announce With Class

Once it’s official, let your sphere know you’ve made the move. Keep it positive and future-focused:

• “I’m excited to share I’ve joined XYZ Brokerage, where I’ll have access to new tools and resources to better serve you/my clients.”

• Not: “Finally escaped that dumpster fire of a company!”

People notice how you leave. A graceful exit says a lot about your professionalism.

Final Thought

Switching brokerages is rarely comfortable—but growth never is. If you approach it with clarity, preparation, and respect, you’ll not only land on your feet, you might even level up your career faster than you expected.

And hey—your old office might even miss you enough to keep inviting you to happy hour.

Ashley Falkowski Joins The Kollective as Delaware Area Regional Director

Delaware – The Kollective, a fast-growing real estate movement built on agent-first values, is proud to announce the appointment of Ashley Falkowski as Delaware Area Regional Director, effective July 2025. In this pivotal role, Ashley will lead the charge in expanding The Kollective’s presence across the First State—supporting agents with the tools, training, and systems they need to thrive.

A seasoned real estate professional and respected local leader, Ashley brings both heart and strategy to her work. Her mission? To empower Delaware agents to grow strong, sustainable businesses—without ever feeling like they’re building alone.

“Ashley isn’t just stepping into a leadership role—she’s stepping into a movement,” said Jeremiah F. Kobelka, founder of The Kollective. “Her passion for collaboration, accountability, and agent success makes her the ideal person to bring our model to life in Delaware.”

Ashley’s role will focus on:

• Agent Growth & Support – Coaching, mentoring, and guiding agents through every phase of their journey to help them close more deals and scale confidently.

• Market Presence & Leadership – Serving as the go-to resource for agents in Delaware, while amplifying The Kollective’s footprint and influence in the region.

• Lead System Oversight – Helping agents maximize lead flow from Zillow Flex and other sources through systems, training, and accountability.

• Onboarding & Retention – Ensuring new agents are welcomed with clarity and consistency, and positioned for long-term success.

• Training & Accountability – Hosting high-impact check-ins, workshops, and coaching sessions to keep agents sharp, skilled, and results-driven.

• Community Building – Cultivating a collaborative, high-performance culture where Delaware agents feel supported, connected, and part of something bigger.

With her deep roots in the Delaware market and her dedication to agent development, Ashley is poised to turn The Kollective into more than a platform—it’s becoming a movement.

“I’ve always believed agents do their best work when they feel supported and seen,” said Falkowski. “My goal is to help agents in Delaware build not just a business—but a legacy.”

About The Kollective
The Kollective is a next-generation lead-share and growth platform for independent-minded agents who want big results without giving up their personal brand. Founded by top-producing agents and powered by Zillow Flex, The Kollective offers a collaborative space with high-quality leads, hands-on training, and business-building support—without the limits of a traditional team.

Media Contact:
Jeremiah Kobelka, President of The Kollective, and Team Leader/Founder of The JFKLiving Team
609-760-8624
jeremiah@thekollectiveagent.com
www.thekollectiveagent.com

Jon Campbell Team Joins The Kollective

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 24, 2025

The Jon Campbell Team Joins The Kollective to Launch Zillow Flex Partnership Across PA/NJ

Bethlehem, PA & South Jersey — The Jon Campbell Team, a top-performing real estate powerhouse with over $4 billion in lifetime sales, has officially joined The Kollective, a fast-growing lead share program founded by real estate innovator Jeremiah F. Kobelka of The JFKLiving Team in Haddon Township.

This move marks a strategic expansion of Zillow Flex opportunities in the PA/NJ region, enabling the 20-agent Jon Campbell Team to begin receiving between 150-200 high-quality Zillow Flex leads per month—backed by training, mentorship, and growth accountability offered through The Kollective.

The connection began earlier this year when Jon Campbell first heard of Jeremiah through real estate industry thought leader Sharran Srivatsaa. Intrigued by Jeremiah’s vision and The Kollective’s results-driven model, Jon began following his work on Instagram. As buzz around the Flex-based lead share program grew, so did Jon’s interest.

“When I saw how The Kollective was helping independent-minded agents plug into top-tier lead flow with real accountability, I knew we needed to bring this to our team,” said Jon Campbell.

Since then, The Jon Campbell Team has been approved by Zillow to participate in Flex through The Kollective—a notable milestone given Zillow’s careful vetting process for market saturation. Onboarding is now underway, with teamwide training rolling out across both states.

“Jon and his agents are exactly the kind of professionals The Kollective was built for,” said Jeremiah Kobelka. “They’ve got the drive, the local expertise, and now they’re getting the lead flow and systems to scale even faster.”

As the real estate market continues to shift, strategic alignment and agent support have become more critical than ever. The Kollective offers a unique blend of lead generation, agent independence, and collaborative training—without sacrificing personal branding or local market presence.

This partnership is expected to further strengthen The Jon Campbell Team’s dominance in Pennsylvania and New Jersey real estate while showcasing the scalability and agent-first ethos that defines The Kollective.

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About The Kollective
The Kollective is a real estate lead-share platform founded by Jeremiah F. Kobelka of The JFKLiving Team. Designed for entrepreneurial agents and teams who want to scale without losing their brand identity, The Kollective provides Zillow Flex leads, full training support, and proven accountability systems to accelerate growth and performance.

About The Jon Campbell Team
A dominant force in the Mid-Atlantic real estate scene, The Jon Campbell Team is known for its innovative marketing, aggressive negotiation, and deep market knowledge throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Now powered by Zillow Flex and The Kollective, they continue to redefine what’s possible for real estate success in the region.

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Media Contact:
Jeremiah Kobelka, President of The Kollective, and Team Leader/Founder of The JFKLiving Team
609-760-8624
jeremiah@thekollectiveagent.com
www.thekollectiveagent.com