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Zillow and Realtor.com Team Up for Early Access to Listings

In a groundbreaking collaboration, Zillow® and Realtor.com® have launched Preview℠ listings, enabling home buyers access to pre-market properties. This initiative is designed to enhance transparency in the real estate market, catering to a growing demand for early property exposure from potential buyers.

Enhanced Access Without Barriers

Starting September 17, 2026, users on both Zillow and Realtor.com will have equal access to these exclusive listings, without needing special logins or brokerage relationships. This move signifies a paradigm shift towards more open real estate practices, benefitting both buyers and sellers.

Christopher Roberts, Zillow's Chief Product Officer, emphasized the importance of public visibility in the market, stating, "Today we set a new standard for pre-market transparency on Zillow and Realtor.com. While others restrict early listings, we are proving that broader access is beneficial for all involved." Anna Marie Castiglioni, from Realtor.com, echoed this sentiment, expressing that the collaboration aims to serve buyers and sellers better through an open marketplace.

Large Scale Impact

The collaboration has already seen rapid growth, engaging over 400 brokerage partners, including notable names like Keller Williams, RE/MAX, and Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices. As demand for pre-market listings surges, these listings are prominently labeled, receiving increased visibility in search results, which helps potential buyers quickly identify new opportunities.

Understanding the Buyer’s Journey

When searching for homes, buyers utilizing the Preview feature on either platform can:

• - Save Listings for Updates: Buyers can keep track of their potential homes as more details become available.
• - Contact Listing Agents: Inquiries can be made swiftly, connecting buyers with agents for quick responses.
• - Pre-book Tours: Interested buyers can secure tours for when the home is available for showings, ensuring they are among the first to view the property.
• - Seek Financial Readiness: Buyers will have time to pre-approve their mortgages, enhancing their readiness when they find the right home.

According to a recent survey by Zillow, approximately 88% of Americans expressed interest in viewing pre-listed homes online, highlighting the demand and relevance of this initiative.

Benefits for Sellers and Agents

For sellers, the pre-market exposure achieved through this collaboration is unmatched, as Zillow and Realtor.com collectively attract a vast number of portal visitors — around 75% according to Comscore data. Listings in the Preview phase boast an impressive 18% increase in views, 9% more shares, and 7% additional saves compared to typical listings during their initial days on the market.

This strategic approach allows agents to generate interest before a home officially lists on MLS (Multiple Listing Service). Agents gain valuable insights regarding buyer behavior, enhancing their selling strategies. Furthermore, a significant 85% of potential sellers indicated they would be more inclined to work with agents proficient in pre-marketing their homes to a broader audience.

Key Features for Participating Agents

Agents involved in the Zillow Preview and Realtor.com Preview initiatives enjoy several advantages:
1. Increased Visibility: Elevation in search results and alerts during the Preview period helps listings gain traction amongst potential buyers.
2. Direct Connections: Agents receive free connections based on buyer preferences, creating a supportive environment for agents and facilitating consumer choices.
3. Revenue Sharing: If a lead from a Preview listing culminates in a closed transaction, agents may receive a share of the revenue generated, fostering a mutually beneficial relationship without raising costs for buyers and agents.

This bold move by Zillow and Realtor.com not only enhances property transparency but also augments collaboration among agents and brokers, ultimately benefiting the entire real estate ecosystem.

About Zillow and Realtor.com

Zillow Group, Inc. is a leader in the real estate sector, utilizing innovative technology to ensure homeownership becomes a reality for more individuals. Its vast platform attracts millions of users, connecting them with resources essential for renting, buying, and selling homes. Similarly, Realtor.com® has a long-standing reputation as a trusted site for home transactions, providing valuable insights and tools for users. Together, these two heavyweights aim to redefine home buying and selling in the U.S. market.

By harnessing the power of technology and partnership, Zillow and Realtor.com are poised to transform the home-buying experience for countless individuals across the nation.