To search for homes on Zillow, first select whether you are looking to buy or rent. Then enter your preferred neighborhood, city, address or zip code.
You will then be directed to the search results and map page. Here you can customize your filters to meet your search criteria. You can change the listing type of your search, create a price range, and filter your results based on number of bedrooms, home type or additional features.
On the right side of the map, you can narrow the location search. Zooming in or out will adjust your search results based on the viewed map area. You can also draw your own custom search area. Use the tool to draw a shape around the region you would like to live in and then make sure to click apply. Your results will then be limited to that area. By clicking the graduation cap, you have the option to show the local schools in the area.
You can also save your search. You will receive email updates when new listings are posted that meet your search criteria. Simply click the saved search button, name your search, and choose the email frequency you would like.
When viewing the listing results, you can sort by homes for you, newest, cheapest or other filters such as bedrooms, bathrooms or square feet. 
You can also favorite a home by clicking the heart icon, which will save the home to your saved home list. When you save a home, you will be updated if the home status changes to for sale or pending. If the home is an active listing, you will also be updated when the price changes or when an open house is posted.