Exclusive Inventory

The fight over private listings

April 25, 2025

#84

WELCOME

If you love a bit of drama in the comments section, there’s a fight brewing below Zillow’s April 18 LinkedIn post announcing the company’s new policy on private listings (more on that below). The article sparked over 350 comments (and counting)—with brokers, execs, and agents trading perspectives, callouts, and a few not-exactly-veiled jabs.

For an overview of the big shift, keep reading. For an unfiltered view of exactly how the industry feels about it, scroll the comments here.

SHARPEN YOUR SKILLS: Today’s Top Podcast Rec 🔊

You don’t win clients by talking—you win them by listening. In Exactly What to Say, sales strategist and bestselling author Phil M Jones shares why real estate success hinges on the quality of your conversations. In this episode of Glennda’s Guru, he breaks down how to ask sharper questions, uncover what buyers and sellers really want, and turn hesitant leads into confident clients—all without sounding scripted. Catch the full interview to hear how his approach applies directly to real estate pros.

TRACK THE MARKET: With Private Listings, Major Players Are Picking Sides

In a surprise move earlier this month, Zillow announced a major policy shift that will blacklist listings that appear on brokerage websites before being shared with the public through the MLS. Days after the announcement, Redfin has adopted a similar stance. The move is aimed at limiting the use of “exclusive inventory”—a growing practice in which brokerages privately market listings before sharing them widely.

Here’s what you need to know:

  • Zillow will now permanently ban listings that appear on any brokerage site or platform before being added to the MLS. If it’s seen online publicly, it needs to be seen everywhere.

  • Homes.com publicly opposed the move, calling it a power play, and invited agents to upload their listings to its platform regardless of exclusivity.

  • Compass has also signaled it won’t change course, continuing to promote early-access listings within its network. Brokerages like eXp and NextHome, on the other hand, have announced support for Zillow’s new policy.

With multiple major portals enforcing stricter listing requirements, agents and brokerages have to take visibility and platform management into consideration—or risk running marketing plans that get their listings banned, not bought.

DIVE IN

The Friday Five

📖 What’s new up north. Why the best Marketplace finds may be foreign. 

👀 Shake up your starts. Don’t film your next listing video at the property. Try this instead.  

👀 ‘Will’ they or won’t they? After a $150K price drop, why Will and Jada Smith’s property still isn’t selling. 

💡 Study every sale. How to find data on every recent sale in your market—and why it matters.

💡Seller insights. These stats show sellers are ready to make a move this spring.

THIS WEEK IN ESTATE ELITE

This week’s two can’t-miss Q&A sessions are geared towards agents who want to build steady, long-term success through strong relationships and sharp negotiation skills. And if you missed the first one, there’s still time to catch the second! 

Earlier this week, Glennda shared her relationship systems, the small touches, strategic check-ins, and post-closing processes that turn single transactions into lifelong pipelines. 

And later today, David Parnes is sharing his take on negotiating like a pro, even in slower markets, plus how to build a reputation clients talk about long after the ink dries. 

If you missed Glennda’s session—or want to catch David’s at 3pm EST—you can watch them and more with a free 14-day trial of Estate Elite. Tap here to claim your pass and start watching now.

WHAT’S NEW FROM ESTATE MEDIA

Authentic advice for new agents

If you’re new to this industry—or looking to reach a new level in it—there’s an absolutely overwhelming amount of advice out there for how to set up your business and brand. That’s why James Harris and David Parnes put together their best tips for starting simple and smart—broken into 10 bite-sized sound bites from their most impactful Rise Above the Ranks episodes and interviews to date. Whether you’re feeling motivated or clueless, unsure or energized, these immediately actionable tips will help you put together a plan to start landing listings and closing deals. 

Give it a watch then comment below the video: What questions should James and David tackle next?

FEATURED LUXURY LISTING

The Rosemont at Quail Lakes

A one-of-a-kind 16,200 sq ft estate in The Vintage Club, today’s featured listing is set on nearly an acre with a lake, golf course, and mountain views—and it’s the only home in the community with a second-story outdoor terrace. Inside, you’ll find a 2,000 sq ft vanilla onyx-clad primary suite, a Beverly Hills-inspired entertainment level with a full bar and screening room, and dual detached guest houses—each with private terraces. Outside, a hotel-sized pool, rare palms, citrus trees, and Pope John Paul roses create a true resort atmosphere.

https://estate-elegance.beehiiv.com/p/the-rosemont-at-quail-lakes

TIPS & TAKEAWAYS

Attracting high-net-worth clients through social media

Luxury clients want to work with agents who understand both real estate and lifestyle. They’re looking for a partner and advisor who gets it—the market and what matters most to them. One way you can prove you walk the walk is by showcasing more than listings on your social profiles. Share content that reflects your lifestyle, taste, and network—building trust with buyers looking for something similar. 

Want more luxury tips like this? Scroll through two more (with examples!) here.

HANGS & HAPPENINGS

Apartmentalize | Las Vegas, NV | June 11 - 13. Discover the latest trends, technologies, and management strategies shaping the future of multifamily housing. Hosted by the National Apartment Association, this is the place for anyone in the rental housing industry.

Inman Connect | San Diego, CA | July 30 - August 1. Sharpen your real estate game with immersive discussions, interactive workshops, top-tier networking, and more, alongside some of the biggest players in real estate, proptech, and lending. 

RE/MAX Broker Owner Conference | Washington, DC | August 3 - 5. Connect with RE/MAX leaders and fellow broker-owners for three days of strategy sessions, networking, and fresh ideas to drive brokerage growth and your team’s success.

Tom Ferry Success Summit | Dallas, TX | August 26 - 28. Join thousands of top-producing agents for Tom Ferry’s signature event, packed with actionable strategies, mindset shifts, and high-energy coaching.

Before we go…

📣WANT TO REACH 100K+ REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS RIGHT IN THEIR INBOX?

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