Zillow’s New Listing Policy: What Does this Mean for You?
Zillow has announced a significant change: any property publicly marketed—through social media, yard signs, or emails—that isn’t listed on the MLS within 24 hours will be excluded from Zillow and Trulia for the duration of the listing. This policy aims to enforce the National Association of Realtors’ (NAR) Clear Cooperation Policy (CCP), which mandates that publicly marketed properties be listed on the MLS within one business day.
Implications for Indiana Real Estate Agents
For agents in Indiana, this policy change has several implications:
- Reduced Flexibility: Agents lose the ability to market properties privately or within their brokerage before listing on the MLS.
- Potential Client Concerns: Sellers may question why their property isn’t appearing on major platforms like Zillow if there’s any delay in MLS listing.
- Lead Diversion Issues: Zillow’s model may direct potential buyers to agents who are not the listing agent, leading to possible confusion and missed opportunities.
Exploring Alternative Platforms: Homes.com
In response to Zillow’s policy, Homes.com offers a different approach. Their “Your Listing, Your Lead” model ensures that all inquiries on a listing go directly to the listing agent, not to competing agents. This model respects the agent’s relationship with their client and maintains transparency.
Recommendations for Indiana Agents
- Stay Informed: Regularly check updates from NAR and major listing platforms to ensure compliance and optimal exposure for your listings.
- Educate Clients: Inform sellers about the implications of listing delays and the importance of timely MLS entries.
- Diversify Marketing: Utilize multiple platforms, including Homes.com, to ensure broad visibility while maintaining control over your leads.
What Indiana Real Estate Agents Need to Know
Zillow’s new policy underscores the evolving dynamics of real estate listings and the importance of adaptability. By understanding these changes and exploring alternative platforms like Homes.com, Indiana real estate agents can continue to serve their clients effectively and maintain control over their listings.
Brian is a highly acclaimed speaker, broker, instructor, appraiser, and construction expert with over 25 years of experience. Brian received his bachelor’s degree in finance & real estate from Indiana University and is currently attending IU McKinney Law. GO Hoosiers! After his disappointing attempt at being the next ultimate Jedi Master in the latest Star Wars movie, he found his force talents were much better served as a real estate instructor and speaker.
His vast knowledge and background has taken him all over to teach many topics regarding real estate agency, brokerage, business operations, contracts, appraisal, and investing. He hosts multiple podcasts on real estate education, as well. He is all about helping agents learn what they didn’t know they needed to know.
When he isn’t yacking his head off in front of an audience or helping his talented agents achieve real estate glory, he TRIES to keep his wife happy and occasionally makes his kids laugh.
