Zillow and Google bring home-buying guidance to NotebookLM
Rhea-AI Summary
Zillow (NYSE: Z) and Google announced a partnership on February 19, 2026 to bring Zillow's home-buying guidance into Google NotebookLM as a featured notebook.
The notebook delivers Zillow's guidance with direct citations, searchable Q&A, and "Audio Overviews," aiming to help buyers understand steps like preapproval, offers, and closing costs.
Positive
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Negative
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Key Figures
Market Reality Check
Peers on Argus
Z rose 1.27% ahead of this AI-focused collaboration. Close peer ZG gained 2.11%, and other internet peers like PINS and NBIS were also positive, while BIDU and TME were slightly negative, suggesting mixed sector action rather than a clear sector-wide move.
Historical Context
| Date | Event | Sentiment | Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 19 | Agent tech survey | Positive | -0.6% | Survey showed agents prioritizing easy, AI‑driven tools and teased Zillow Pro. |
| Feb 17 | Marketing partnership | Positive | +1.2% | Launch of Zillow for Warcraft microsite showcasing fantasy homes and brand platform. |
| Feb 11 | Housing affordability data | Neutral | -16.5% | Analysis of the $10,470 annual “singles tax” and rental affordability trends. |
| Feb 10 | Earnings report | Positive | +0.8% | Q4 and FY2025 results with revenue growth, positive GAAP income and share repurchases. |
| Feb 09 | Home design trends | Neutral | -1.3% | 20th‑anniversary data on shift away from McMansions toward flexible, resilient homes. |
Recent AI- and product-related announcements have produced mixed reactions, with some positive news aligning with modest gains and other data/insight pieces seeing flat to negative moves.
Over recent months, Zillow has highlighted multiple initiatives and data-driven insights. A Q4 2025 earnings report showed revenue growth and positive net income, with a modest +0.79% reaction. Branded and experiential efforts like “Zillow for Warcraft” saw a +1.2% move, while the 20th‑anniversary design trends piece and the “singles tax” affordability analysis drew negative reactions of -1.26% and -16.54%. The new Google NotebookLM collaboration fits into this pattern of using data and AI tools to support the home‑buying journey.
Market Pulse Summary
This announcement expands Zillow’s use of AI by embedding its home‑buying guidance within Google’s NotebookLM, giving users cited, Zillow‑sourced answers and audio overviews. It builds on recent AI‑oriented initiatives and data releases, complementing a business that, based on past filings, has emphasized growth in Rentals and Mortgages. With shares at $45.55, well below the 200‑day MA of $72.76, investors may watch how such integrations translate into engagement and transaction volume over time.
AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.
Zillow is partnering with Google NotebookLM to make Zillow's home-buying guidance available in a featured notebook. NotebookLM is a personalized AI research and thinking tool designed to help users better connect with and understand complex information. Unlike general AI answers that can vary in accuracy, notebook users can ask questions and get responses grounded in Zillow's guidance, with direct citations to original articles on Zillow.com.
"When navigating a milestone as significant as buying a home, trusted information is important. This featured notebook, curated by Zillow in NotebookLM, meets home buyers at the start of their journey with answers they can trust," said Steven Johnson, co-founder and editorial director of NotebookLM.
This notebook helps buyers get clarity in moments that often cause confusion or stress. Users can ask about topics like preapproval vs. prequalification, what typically happens after an offer is accepted, or how to plan for costs beyond the down payment.
NotebookLM also supports multiple ways to explore the information, including "Audio Overviews" that turn Zillow's written guides into engaging, conversational audio formats. Users can listen to two AI hosts discuss everything from "the first step in buying a home" to "how to choose an agent."
The collaboration builds on Zillow's broader work to use our data, insights and technology to help people through every stage of getting a home, from early exploration and touring to connecting with the right professionals when they're ready to move forward. It also reflects how Zillow is extending its housing guidance into AI emerging platforms where shoppers are spending time.
"Millions of people turn to Zillow at the start of their home journey," said Jen Berger, vice president, Creative & Performance Media at Zillow. "As more buyers turn to AI tools to research and plan, we want our trusted, expert-backed guidance to show up there, too. By bringing our home-buying expertise into NotebookLM, we're meeting even more people earlier in the process with answers that are fast, clear and grounded in reliable information."
Q&A
What is NotebookLM?
Google NotebookLM is a personalized AI research and thinking tool designed to help users better connect with and understand complex information.
How does Zillow's featured notebook work?
Zillow's featured notebook was curated by Zillow in Google NotebookLM. NotebookLM answers questions using Zillow's home-buying guides (including Zillow Learning Center articles) — and displays citations linking back to the original pages.
Where do people find it? Do they need a Zillow account?
Open NotebookLM and look for the Zillow featured notebook or visit: [LINK]. Access follows Google/NotebookLM account rules.
Is this a substitute for agents?
No. Tools like these help buyers come to agent conversations better prepared. Agents remain essential for high-stakes, personalized transactions.
About Zillow Group:
Zillow Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: Z and ZG) is reimagining real estate to make home a reality for more and more people.
As the most visited real estate app and website in
Zillow's ecosystem spans the entire home journey — from dreaming and shopping to renting, buying, selling and financing.
Zillow Group's affiliates, subsidiaries and brands include Zillow®, Zillow Premier Agent®, Zillow Home Loans®, Zillow Rentals®, Zillow® New Construction, Trulia®, StreetEasy®, Out East®, HotPads®, Follow Up Boss®, ShowingTime®, dotloop® and Zillow® Closing.
All marks herein are owned by MFTB Holdco, Inc., a Zillow affiliate. Zillow Home Loans, LLC is an Equal Housing Lender, NMLS #10287 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org). © 2026 MFTB Holdco, Inc., a Zillow affiliate.
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SOURCE Zillow
FAQ
What did Zillow (Z) announce with Google NotebookLM on February 19, 2026?
How does the Zillow featured notebook in NotebookLM cite its guidance for users?
Do users need a Zillow account to access the Zillow notebook in Google NotebookLM?
What topics can buyers ask about in Zillow's NotebookLM featured notebook (Z)?
What are "Audio Overviews" in the Zillow NotebookLM collaboration?
Does Zillow say the NotebookLM tool replaces real estate agents for buyers?
