If you’ve noticed fewer homes appearing on Zillow since May 1, 2025, you’re not alone. Zillow has implemented a new policy that changes how property listings are displayed on their platform, impacting both buyers and sellers in the real estate market.
The New Rule: Listings Must Hit the MLS First
As of May 1, Zillow has aligned its listing standards with the National Association of Realtors’ (NAR) Clear Cooperation Policy. This means that any property being publicly marketed—whether through a yard sign, social media, or a brokerage’s website—must be listed on the local Multiple Listing Service (MLS) within one business day. If it’s not, Zillow will no longer display it on its site or apps.
Why This Change Matters
The primary goal of this policy is to promote fairness and transparency in the housing market. By requiring homes to be listed on the MLS promptly, it ensures that all buyers have equal access to property information at the same time. This move aims to eliminate “pocket listings” that are selectively marketed to a limited audience before being widely available.
Implications for Sellers and Agents
For sellers and real estate agents, this change underscores the importance of timely MLS listings. To maximize exposure on platforms like Zillow and Trulia, properties must be listed on the MLS promptly after any form of public marketing. Failure to do so will result in the listing being excluded from Zillow’s search results.
What Buyers Need to Know
Buyers should be aware that not every property will automatically appear on Zillow anymore. To ensure you have access to the most up-to-date listings, it’s crucial to work with a real estate agent who has direct access to the MLS. They can provide you with comprehensive information on new listings as soon as they become available
The Bottom Line
Zillow’s policy change is designed to ensure equal access to listings and reduce exclusive deals that may disadvantage certain buyers. Whether you’re buying or selling, it’s essential to work with a knowledgeable real estate professional who can navigate both the MLS and the evolving landscape of online platforms like Zillow.
However, it’s important to note that this shift could also create disadvantages for sellers. In particular, sellers who were hoping to privately market their homes to a select group of buyers, or who wanted to test buyer interest before fully listing on the MLS, may now lose that flexibility. This is especially true for homeowners selling luxury properties, unique homes, or those in high-demand neighborhoods where early word-of-mouth exposure often generated competitive interest. Sellers will now need to ensure their pricing, marketing, and strategy are fully prepared before publicly promoting the property — because once it hits the market, it’s available to everyone at once.
This policy also presents a significant disadvantage to sellers who choose not to use a Realtor.
Without access to the MLS — which is typically only available to licensed real estate agents — For Sale By Owner (FSBO) sellers will struggle to get their property in front of a large audience. Since Zillow now relies on MLS feeds for listings, FSBO properties may not appear on Zillow, Trulia, or other major platforms. This can drastically reduce visibility and limit buyer interest. Working with an experienced Realtor ensures your home reaches the widest possible audience, maximizing your chances of a fast, competitive sale.
At TheAraizas.com, we specialize in Phoenix homes for sale, MLS listings in Arizona, and expert Realtor services to help both buyers and sellers make informed decisions. Our team offers up-to-date property listings, personalized home valuation reports, and expert guidance on everything from first-time home buying to selling luxury homes in Arizona.
If you’re ready to explore homes for sale in Phoenix, AZ, or want to learn more about how these changes impact your property search or selling strategy, contact The Araizas real estate team today. We’re here to ensure you never miss a listing and always have the advantage in Arizona’s dynamic housing market.
Related services we offer:
– Buy a home in Phoenix, Arizona
– Sell your home in Maricopa County
– Veteran VA loan assistance in Arizona
– First-time homebuyer programs in Phoenix
Visit TheAraizas.com — Your trusted partner for Arizona real estate and MLS listings in Phoenix.
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