Zillow overstepped: what’s next?
- Zillow’s New Policy: Starting May 2025, Zillow will remove listings from its platform if they are publicly marketed (yard signs, social media, etc.) but not simultaneously listed on an MLS within one business day. Violations result in permanent bans from Zillow for that specific listing.
- Conflict with NAR Update: This policy directly contradicts a recent National Association of Realtors update allowing public marketing without immediate MLS syndication, creating a conflict between increased seller flexibility and Zillow’s restrictions.
- Zillow’s Justification vs. Criticism: Zillow cites fairness, transparency, and discrimination prevention. Critics argue this is a power grab by Zillow, leveraging its dominant market share (roughly 70% of online home search traffic) to control the market and benefit large agents and institutions at the expense of smaller sellers and those seeking privacy.
- Shift to Off-Market Strategies: The article advocates for off-market transactions as a way to bypass Zillow’s control, emphasizing the increased importance of private sales to maintain control over the selling process and potentially find better deals.
- Call to Action: The author urges readers to learn off-market strategies to avoid Zillow’s limitations, emphasizing the potential for greater profitability and control over property sales.
