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The real estate landscape is shifting again. If you’re planning to list your home, new policies from Zillow and Redfin could impact how and where your property is seen by potential buyers.
Let’s break down what’s changing, what it means for you, and how working with an experienced partner like Cross Street ensures your strategy is tailored, thoughtful, and responsive.
Zillow and Redfin have announced a significant policy change: If a home is marketed through private channels for more than 24 hours before going live on the MLS (Multiple Listing Service), it will not be displayed on their platforms.
What qualifies as “private marketing”? It includes internal brokerage networks, third-party tools like the Top Agent Network, and even posts on social media. The goal behind this move, according to Zillow and Redfin, is to promote transparency and equal access to listings for all buyers, not just those connected to select networks. If you’d like to hear more from Zillow directly, check out their blog article announcing the changes.
And because these two platforms are among the most visited in the U.S. for real estate searches, that kind of visibility can matter a lot.
Cross Street Broker Emma Sachs breaks down these new policies in detail.
While Zillow and Redfin are drawing a hard line, Homes.com is taking the opposite approach. They’ve said they’ll boost your property if it’s marketed privately before going live on the public market.
It’s a clear sign of rising competition between syndication sites, and underscores why having a savvy, strategic brokerage in your corner matters more than ever.
At Cross Street, we don’t take a one-size-fits-all approach to selling. Whether your listing makes its debut on the MLS, the private market, or a combination of both, we tailor the strategy to your goals, your timeline, and the unique features of your home.
In some cases, a brief stint on the private market might make sense. In others, a full public launch with broad exposure may be the best way to drive competition.
Our job is to help you weigh those options clearly and confidently, and to execute the plan with precision.
We market homes with intention and care. Here’s how we differentiate ourselves in a crowded market:
From professional photography and compelling listing copy to social media campaigns and syndication to all major platforms (Zillow and Redfin included, when applicable), we make sure your home is seen in the best light.
Many agents rely on lockboxes and self-guided showings. Not us. Our brokers are hands-on, guiding buyers through your home and highlighting the details that make it special. It’s a more thoughtful, persuasive experience, and it works.
We follow a proven framework that helps every listing stand out:
+ Pricing rooted in local market data.
+ Staging to create a strong first impression.
+ Marketing that goes beyond the basics.
+ Representation that’s informed, responsive, and engaged.
We’re not a big-box brokerage. We’re a team of hyper-local experts who know the neighborhoods, the buildings, and the buyers. Our brokers are trained differently, and it shows in the results.
Zillow and Redfin’s policy changes are a reminder that how (and where) you list your home matters. But so does who you list it with.
Whether your home hits the MLS on day one or starts with a more private approach, the most important thing is having a partner who knows the market, understands the tools, and builds a strategy around you.
At Cross Street, we’re here to help you make sense of a shifting landscape and get your home sold with confidence.
Thinking about selling? Let’s talk about your options, and what approach makes the most sense for your goals.
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