If you’ve been following the real estate news—or even just my Instagram feed—you’ve probably noticed that real estate is making headlines once again. This time, the dispute involves Zillow, Compass, and our local MLS, MRED. I’ll do my best to stick to the facts, though you know your girl has opinions!
The headlines have been dramatic:
- Thousands of Chicago-area home listings go dark on Zillow
- MRED cuts Zillow’s access to listings
- Zillow sues Compass and MRED
- Chicago-area listings return to Zillow after court ruling
So what’s this fight actually about?
In one word: listings.
Chicagoland is unique because our MLS (MRED) includes something called the Private Listing Network (PLN). The PLN allows agents to market homes to thousands of brokers across the region without immediately displaying those listings on public websites. Sellers can test pricing, build interest, make adjustments, and generate momentum before fully launching their homes to the public market. Importantly, listings in the PLN do not accumulate public days on market or a history of price reductions.
This isn’t some secret network hidden from agents. In fact, because approximately 88% of buyers work with a real estate broker, the broker-to-broker exposure provided by the PLN is remarkably effective.
Zillow, however, wants access to all housing inventory. Over the past year, the company has adopted policies that penalize certain listings that were initially marketed outside of the MLS. When Zillow refused to display all listings contained within MRED’s feed, MRED cut off Zillow’s access. Zillow responded by suing both MRED and Compass. A judge has since ordered the listing feed reinstated while the broader dispute continues.
Why does this matter?
At its core, the disagreement is about who gets to decide how a home is marketed: the seller and their agent, or a third-party website.
Supporters of the PLN argue that sellers deserve flexibility. Every seller’s situation is different. Some want maximum public exposure immediately. Others prefer a more measured approach that allows them to test the market, maintain privacy, or build demand before a full launch.
The legal battle will likely continue for some time, but the central question remains unchanged: Who should control a home’s marketing strategy?
In the meantime, if you enjoy browsing homes online, remember that no single website shows every opportunity available. If you’d like access to the most comprehensive view of the market—including publicly listed homes, Compass Private Exclusives, and properties available through the Private Listing Network—I’d be happy to set up a personalized search for you.
