Is Zillow hiding homes? As a real estate professional with over a decade of experience serving buyers and sellers in the Raleigh-Durham area, I’ve seen many shifts in the real estate landscape. One of the most talked-about recent developments is Zillow’s decision to no longer include all real estate listings on their platform. This change has sparked confusion and concern among clients, agents, and industry professionals alike. So, what does this really mean for you as a home buyer or seller in the Triangle region—and how should you respond?

In this post, I’ll break it down with a neutral, honest perspective, sharing the pros, cons, and the long-term implications of this change on how we do business.

What Happened with Zillow Listings?

Zillow has historically been a top destination for home buyers and sellers seeking information on active listings. However, recent policy and contractual changes have led to a noticeable reduction in the number of MLS-sourced listings on their site.

Additionally, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) has updated its “clear cooperation policy.” While the policy still requires agents to submit listings to the MLS within one day of marketing them publicly, it now allows for “delayed marketing.” This means sellers can list homes on the MLS but opt out of sending their data to sites like Zillow for a period of time. As a result, certain listings are accessible to agents within the MLS but remain absent from public search portals, further contributing to the reduction of MLS-sourced listings on Zillow.

This shift results from the company’s evolving business model and changes in syndication agreements with MLS platforms and brokerages.

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Photo by RDNE Stock project on Pexels.com

The Positive Side: Simplification and Strategy

For some buyers and sellers, this change may seem strategic or even beneficial in the following ways:

  • Less Noise, More Focused Listings: With fewer listings from various MLSs, some argue that the platform may become more streamlined, potentially reducing redundant or inaccurate data.
  • Opportunity for Direct Engagement: Sellers may benefit from connecting directly with buyer agents instead of being lost in a sea of listings.
  • Encourages Professional Guidance: Without a one-stop-shop experience, more consumers may turn to local real estate professionals (like myself) to gain access to the full picture. That’s why it’s even more critical to make sure you’re asking the right questions when interviewing potential agents. We cover this topic on our 9 Critical Questions to Ask a Real Estate Agent article.

The Negative Side: Limited Visibility and Incomplete Data

However, there are also significant downsides to consider, particularly for those relying on Zillow as their primary search tool:

  • Buyers May Miss Out: Some listings are now missing from Zillow, which means buyers aren’t seeing all available homes, creating a misleading sense of inventory.
  • Sellers Lose Exposure: If your home is not syndicated to Zillow, you could miss a large pool of potential buyers who start their search online.
  • Consumer Confusion: Many people don’t realize that Zillow is no longer showing all listings, which can lead to frustration and misinformation.

What This Means for Raleigh-Durham Buyers and Sellers

In the Raleigh-Durham real estate market, where demand remains high and inventory tight, access to complete, up-to-date data is essential. This change means buyers must now rely more on MLS-connected platforms or their local real estate agent to ensure they’re not missing opportunities.

For sellers, listing exposure strategies will need to adapt. Zillow alone is no longer enough. A multi-platform approach—leveraging MLS, Realtor.com, brokerage websites like brazoban.com, and social media—is now a necessity for maximum reach.

Moving Forward: How We’ll Do Business Differently

This shift reinforces a truth I’ve long believed in: real estate is local, personal, and relationship-driven. While online platforms like Zillow can be helpful tools, they are no substitute for the local market expertise and hands-on support of a dedicated agent.

As your trusted Triangle-area real estate expert, I’ll continue to:

  • Provide comprehensive listing exposure across all major platforms.
  • Ensure buyers have access to the full spectrum of available homes.
  • Offer personalized strategies that align with the changing digital landscape.

Final Thoughts: Stay Informed, Stay Empowered

The real estate world is evolving, and Zillow’s changes are just one example. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, a seasoned investor, or a homeowner preparing to sell, staying informed is key to making smart decisions.

Ready to Navigate This Market with Confidence?

📣 Buyers: Don’t miss out on your dream home. Let’s connect for a custom property search that includes all active listings—not just what Zillow shows.

📣 Sellers: Want to ensure your home gets seen by every potential buyer? Let’s build a targeted marketing plan that goes beyond the big portals.

👉 Contact me today to schedule a consultation or sign up for alerts on new homes in the Triangle area. Don’t forget to sign-up for our weekly newsletter so you won’t miss a beat on the latest real estate trends, tips and market updates.

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