Z
illow's new listing standards are gaining momentum, with StreetEasy set to adopt the policy in June. The move aims to ensure transparency and fairness by denying agents access to certain programs if they publicly market listings to some buyers but not all. This includes StreetEasy Experts, Concierge, and Zillow Premier Agent in NYC, as well as new listing and marketing tools.

    StreetEasy's implementation will apply to properties with exclusive for-sale agreements between agents and sellers. For most agents, nothing changes, but those who don't comply will lose access to these programs and see their listings excluded from Zillow and Trulia. The company notes that this change is intended to promote transparency and accountability in the NYC market.

    StreetEasy's VP Caroline Burton emphasizes the importance of fair and equitable access to real estate information, stating that sellers deserve to have their listing seen by the widest audience and buyers should be able to see all available homes. This approach enables agents to better serve their clients and gives New Yorkers an equal opportunity at homeownership.

    The decision may impact Compass, a brokerage giant with a strong presence in NYC's private exclusive market. Compass CEO Robert Reffkin has criticized Zillow's listing standards as "bully behavior" and anticompetitive. StreetEasy's policy aims to prevent agents from using listings as leverage to control who participates in the home-buying process, promoting a more transparent and fair market.