C
hicago MLS warned brokers that its Private Listing Network (PLN) could be excluded from Zillow, but later clarified that Zillow is postponing enforcement in the MRED region. Zillow’s new rule, which bars certain private listings and is part of a lawsuit with Compass, has been applied nationwide. However, the company said the Chicago area is exempt because of the special status of Illinois‑based Midwest Real Estate Data (MRED). MRED has operated its own private listing system for almost ten years, putting it at odds with Zillow’s policy.

    On Nov. 3, MRED CEO Rebecca Jensen said the MLS had notified brokers after learning that some were told their active listings might disappear from Zillow if they were in MRED’s PLN. MRED later confirmed directly with Zillow that the ban had not been enforced in its territory, and that all active MRED listings remain visible on Zillow. A Zillow spokesperson echoed that no MRED listings were removed and that the company has been collaborating with MRED since spring.

    Zillow’s new Listing Access Standards, announced in April, require any listing promoted to consumers to be widely available through the MLS. Enforcement began June 30, blocking an agent’s third non‑compliant listing and any following ones permanently from Zillow and Trulia during the broker‑seller agreement.

    MRED, the eighth‑largest MLS in the U.S. with about 50,000 members, joined the relaunch of the Broker Public Portal’s home‑search platform, now called Cribio, in August. Jensen praised the portal as a trustworthy tool that delivers added value, while the MLS blog highlighted how its private‑listing option offers flexibility and gives brokers and appraisers the data needed for accurate comps.