Z
illow and Redfin, two major real estate marketplaces, are cracking down on home listings that have been publicly marketed before being entered into the multiple listing service (MLS). Zillow introduced new "listing access standards" in April, stating it won't publish listings if they're not made available to all buyers through the MLS within one business day. The company argues that consumers deserve fair access to listings without restrictions.

    Zillow began notifying agents of noncompliant listings in large US markets in late May and will bar an agent's third noncompliant listing from its platform, as well as Trulia, starting June 30th. This policy affects all for-sale homes subject to an exclusive agreement between a broker and seller. However, there are exemptions for delayed marketing, coming soon listings, and certain types of properties like newly built homes and rental properties.

    Redfin is taking a similar stance, stating it won't publish listings that have been publicly marketed before being shared on the MLS. The company also wants the MLS to introduce a "coming-soon" designation to prevent search sites from displaying home prices and market time. Redfin will start implementing its policy in September, allowing delayed marketing exempt listings to be displayed as long as they're shared through the MLS.

    Both Zillow and Redfin are major online real estate platforms, hosting millions of listings on their sites. Zillow Group reported 227 million average monthly unique users during Q1, while Redfin saw 46 million users.