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Pulse is a recurring column where we ask for readers’ takes on varying topics in a weekly survey and report back with our findings.
The private listing debate is heating up, with both Compass and Zillow firing shots across the bow as they prepare to take their battle to court. Meanwhile, Mauricio Umansky just rebooted his lawsuit against NAR and its rules’ impact on ThePLS.com, his erstwhile private listing network.
As we continue to follow the drama, we’re most interested in how it impacts you. We asked you to tell us: How do you think the private listings battle will play out? Do you think Compass will prevail? Do you side with Zillow? Or are you taking a wait-and-see approach and preparing to adjust your business strategy as needed? Here’s what you said:
- Zillow reached a tipping point and I believe they will have to back off. Its not about what Compass wants. Its about being the big gorilla in the room, trying to throw your weight around. The pushback will be too much to stomach.
- Compass
- Zillow
- While private listings are poor strategy for most listings it should be a seller’s choice. But there are multiple ways to advertise and promoter a property and the MLS is only one way. The MLS is comprised of independent brokers and if they want to exclude private listings then that should be their choice.
- These events are strong long-term tailwinds to Homes.com, led by CEO Andy Florance
- I believe that MLSs provide great value and will prevail as the source of real estate truth for buyers, along with their distribution to portals. I am opposed to the Compass position of trying to turn the business inside out.
- Everyone’s focused on Compass fighting for private listing networks — but they’re missing the bigger picture. If Compass succeeds in making private networks viable again, Zillow is perfectly positioned to dominate that space. And that’s not by accident — Zillow lobbied to eliminate the no-commingling rule so they could blend non-MLS listings like FSBOs directly alongside MLS listings in the same search results. That rule used to keep off-MLS inventory separate. But now, with it gone, Zillow can freely display private listings right next to MLS listings — with no distinction. So if private networks catch on, Zillow becomes the most powerful one of all. They’ve already built the infrastructure: Zillow Showcase for pro media, ShowingTime for seller-controlled scheduling, Dotloop for contracts, Zillow Home Loans and Title for full transaction management and a massive network of Partner Agents ready to show homes to buyers. So yes, I support the right to innovate with private listings — but let’s not be naïve. Zillow already has the massive traffic, the infrastructure, and lobbied away the legal barriers. If private listings take off, Compass might open the door — but Zillow is positioned to storm through it and make everyone else irrelevant.
- Compass will prevail! Zillow is a bully and only cares about their bottom line and not what the homeowner wants
- I do not think PLNs will win the day, too many fair housing issues and lack of transparency issues as well as data that shows those sale by and large have not achieved market value.
- Compass will prevail in the court case. Zillow will face DOJ scrutiny and ultimately, future ramifications.
- I think Zillow should and will prevail. The Compass agenda is nothing but self-serving.
- Compass wins
- Sellers have the right to choose and if private is their choice so be it — Compass prevails
- I’m not siding with Compass or Zillow — I’m siding with transparency. Private listings, more often than not, serve the agent or broker and are often a guise for dual agency. Full-market exposure is still the clearest path to fairness, competition, and the best outcome for the client.
Editor’s note: These responses were given anonymously and, therefore, are not attributed to anyone specifically. Responses were also edited for grammar and clarity. Inman doesn’t endorse any specific method and regulations may vary from state to state.
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