Redfin is the tech-forward real estate brokerage — combines technology with employed real estate agents. Public since 2017. The interview emphasizes the intersection of technology and real-world real estate operations.
Process
Recruiter screen → 60-minute coding phone (DSA medium) → onsite virtual: 2 coding, 1 system design, 1 craft deep-dive, 1 behavioral. Cycle: 3–4 weeks.
What they actually ask
- Design real-time pricing intelligence for buyers and sellers
- Design agent matching and recommendation
- Design tour scheduling and routing
- Coding: medium DSA, often with geo or scheduling framing
- Behavioral: customer focus, ownership, mission-driven culture
Levels and comp (2026)
- SE II: $140K–$175K total
- Senior SE: $205K–$270K
- Staff: $295K–$385K
- Principal: $410K–$540K
Prep priorities
- Be fluent in Java or Python (the bulk of the codebase)
- Understand real estate operations and broker workflows
- Brush up on geographic indexing and routing algorithms
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Redfin remote-friendly?
Hybrid in Seattle (HQ); some remote within US. Less remote-first than Zillow.
How does Redfin compare to Zillow?
Redfin owns brokerage operations; Zillow is search + leads. Redfin has more operational complexity. Comp is comparable; Zillow pays slightly more on average.
What is the engineering culture?
Mission-driven (transparency in real estate). Strong work-life balance. More employee/agent-focused than typical tech.