Giving Buyers Access to All Available Home Listings
Zillow believes the practice of “office exclusive” and “private listings” disadvantages both buyers and sellers. Consumers and real estate agents should be able to see all available home listings.
“Private Listings” and “office exclusives” are when a home is advertised only to a select group of potential buyers but not the general public. They’re becoming more common as a way for agents and brokers to make more money, despite not being in consumers’ best interests.
Sellers benefit by marketing their homes to the fullest range of potential buyers, maximizing the value of their homes. While a small handful of sellers choose not to publicize their listing for privacy reasons, the widespread use of “private listings” and “office exclusives” reduces access to buyers, which can lead to fair housing problems.
We believe all consumers should have access to all available home listings — not only because the open market gives buyers more options and sellers a better deal, but because it’s what’s fair.
Sellers benefit by marketing their homes to the fullest range of potential buyers, maximizing the value of their homes. While a small handful of sellers choose not to publicize their listing for privacy reasons, the widespread use of “private listings” and “office exclusives” reduces access to buyers, which can lead to fair housing problems.
We believe all consumers should have access to all available home listings — not only because the open market gives buyers more options and sellers a better deal, but because it’s what’s fair.
