In a major shakeup to the real estate landscape, Zillow has announced that starting May 2025, only homes listed through a Multiple Listing Service (MLS) will appear on its platform. Even more significant: if a home is publicly marketed outside the MLS for more than 24 hours, it will be permanently banned from Zillow. This bold move directly targets “pocket listings” and off-market sales.
Why Is Zillow Doing This?
Zillow says this policy is about transparency and fairness. By requiring homes to be listed on the MLS, they’re aiming to give every buyer the same chance to see every home for sale—rather than letting certain listings stay hidden in private agent networks or off-market channels.
In other words: if it’s not on the MLS, it’s not on Zillow.
What It Means for Sellers
Thinking of selling your home without a licensed agent or keeping your listing off-market? That strategy just lost a lot of visibility. Without an MLS listing, your property won’t appear on one of the most widely used real estate platforms in the country.
That means:
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No exposure to Zillow’s millions of monthly users
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Fewer eyes on your listing
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Potentially lower offers—or longer time on market
Even luxury sellers or those seeking privacy are impacted. According to Zillow, any property publicly marketed outside the MLS for over 24 hours is disqualified, regardless of price point or location.
What It Means for Buyers
For buyers, this is a double-edged sword. On one hand, you’ll now see a more complete and accurate view of what’s truly on the market—fewer secret deals, more open access. On the other hand, the days of finding hidden gems through off-market listings may be fading.
In this tighter, faster-moving market, having a real estate agent becomes even more important. Agents will have the tools and insights to help you act fast, find real-time listings, and navigate the competition effectively.
Not Everyone’s On Board
Not surprisingly, the policy has stirred debate in the real estate world. While brokerages like eXp Realty have voiced support, others—including Compass—have raised concerns. Some agents argue this limits sellers’ flexibility and could hurt those who prefer discreet transactions.
Still, Zillow is standing firm, prioritizing consumer trust and listing equality as the pillars of its platform going forward.
The Bottom Line
The real estate game just changed. Whether you’re buying or selling, the old rules no longer apply. MLS exposure is now mandatory for visibility on Zillow—and that means working with a professional is more essential than ever.
At Done In ONE, we’re ahead of the curve—making sure our clients are positioned for success in this new landscape. From transparent flat fees to expert guidance, we help you navigate the market with confidence (and save big while doing it).
Got questions about how this affects your next move?
Let’s talk—because in 2025, the smart play is having a pro in your corner.