Zillow's Big Changes: What Home Shoppers Need to Know

Starting in early 2025, Zillow is making significant changes to how homes appear on their platform. These updates will affect how you search for and access properties, creating a more transparent real estate marketplace.

Clear Tour Instructions Required

The first major change requires all listings on Zillow to include clear instructions on how to tour the property. When you find a home you like, you'll either be able to instantly request a tour through Zillow or see specific instructions about how to arrange a viewing.

This addresses a common frustration many home shoppers face: finding what seems like the perfect property online, only to hit a dead end when trying to see it in person. With this update, you'll know immediately how to schedule a tour for any property that catches your eye, saving you time and eliminating guesswork.

Ban on "Secret" Listings

The second significant change is Zillow's decision to ban privately marketed homes, often called "pocket listings." These are properties that are sold through private networks before other buyers have a chance to see them.

This change means you won't miss out on homes that were previously shown only to select buyers. All properties will need to be publicly available on the platform, creating a more level playing field for everyone in the market.

What This Means for Your Home Search

These updates will make finding your next home both simpler and more fair. Every listing on Zillow will include a clear path to viewing the property in person, and you'll have access to more of the available housing inventory.

When browsing homes after these changes take effect, you'll notice:

• Functional "Request a Tour" buttons on listings

• Clear contact information for viewing properties

• Access to homes that previously might have been sold privately

These changes are part of a larger industry conversation about transparency in real estate. Supporters believe these updates create a more fair marketplace where all buyers have equal access to information and opportunities. Critics argue that some sellers prefer privacy and may have valid reasons for keeping their listings more exclusive.

NorthStar Team's Commitment to Transparency

At NorthStar, we are fully aligned with Zillow's new standards. We believe the best way to serve all our real estate clients is through complete transparency in every transaction.

Our team has always prioritized making our listings accessible to everyone and providing clear viewing instructions. These industry changes reflect values we've championed all along:

• Equal access to information for all potential buyers

• Clear communication about property availability

• Straightforward processes for scheduling viewings

As these new standards roll out in May 2025, you can count on the NorthStar team to continue leading the way in transparent real estate practices. We're proud to already embody these principles of transparency and equal access, and we welcome these industry-wide improvements.

Whether you're buying or selling, our commitment remains the same: providing clear information, equal opportunities, and exceptional service throughout your real estate journey.

Looking for a new home? The NorthStar team is here to guide you through these industry changes with our unwavering commitment to transparency and client service.