Effective June 30th, real estate agents must adhere to Zillow’s quality standards or face sanctions. Agents with multiple non-compliant listings risk being blocked from Zillow and Trulia during the listing period.
Zillow’s Errol Samuelson emphasized the importance of making all listings accessible to all buyers, not just a select few, during a statement in April.
Allegations have surfaced accusing Zillow of driving up costs for buyers by diverting them from listing agents who do not charge additional commissions.
A recent survey revealed concerns among MLS and Realtor association leaders regarding NAR’s decision on delayed marketing. Some criticized NAR for unclear communication, while others viewed the action as a prudent move, both politically and legally.
This unfolding narrative in the Real Estate News landscape showcases Compass’ “3-Phased Marketing Strategy” as a challenge to Zillow’s dominance, enabling homeowners to sell properties discreetly without disclosing potentially negative details like days on market.
Compass, known for championing “seller choice,” has taken legal action against Zillow over private listings. CEO Robert Reffkin accuses the platform of using its influence to restrict homeowners and agents from promoting properties outside of Zillow’s ecosystem.
The recent legal dispute involving Zillow paints a picture of the platform as a dominant force in the realm of home buying, achieved through strategic acquisitions and capitalizing on network effects.
Tensions have escalated as Reffkin advocates for exclusive listings in key markets such as Seattle, challenging established players like Windermere and NWMLS, alongside initiatives in California and Chicago.
The lawsuit, filed in New York, challenges Zillow’s policy of blocking listings that are publicly marketed but not widely accessible through MLS, with The New York Times being the first to report on the issue.
Opinions within the industry vary, with voices such as eXp supporting Zillow’s stance on certain listings, while Homes.com pledges to display listings that Zillow chooses not to showcase.
