In a bold move that could reshape the future of the housing industry, Zillow and eXp Realty have announced a strategic partnership aimed at increasing transparency, accessibility, and fairness in how homes are listed and marketed online. This development marks a significant turning point in the real estate world — especially at a time when consumers are demanding more clarity and openness in the home buying and selling process.

This collaboration aligns perfectly with the evolving intersection of real estate and proptech (property technology), bringing digital innovation and consumer-first policies to the forefront. As a story that’s making waves across every major real estate magazine, this isn’t just a new policy—it’s a movement.

Putting an End to Off-Market Listings

At the heart of this new initiative is Zillow’s adoption of listing standards that reflect the National Association of Realtors’ (NAR) Clear Cooperation Policy. This policy mandates that any home being publicly marketed must also be listed in the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) and be visible on major platforms like Zillow, Trulia, and other MLS-syndicated sites.

Zillow’s stance is straightforward: If a listing is being promoted to the public, it should be available everywhere online—not just in exclusive or private networks. This challenges the long-standing, anti-consumer practice of “pocket listings,” where homes are marketed off-market to a limited set of buyers, often creating unfair advantages and undermining a competitive marketplace.

eXp Realty Takes the Lead

eXp Realty, the number one brokerage in the U.S. by transaction volume, is the first major firm to formally adopt and implement Zillow’s new standards. As part of the agreement, eXp has committed to listing any property on the MLS within one business day of it being marketed to the public.

This policy ensures that all eXp listings gain maximum visibility from day one — not only on Zillow and Trulia, but across the entire digital real estate ecosystem. For sellers, that means broader exposure. For buyers, it means equitable access to inventory. And for the industry at large, it signals a shift toward integrity and innovation.

“eXp will always take a position that protects consumers first — that’s non-negotiable,” said Leo Pareja, CEO of eXp Realty. “Our new agreement with Zillow ensures that every eXp Realty listing has maximum visibility, creating a more efficient, trustworthy, and open marketplace.”

The Proptech Perspective: Innovation Backed by Action

This new direction reinforces the growing influence of proptech in redefining real estate standards. While “proptech” is often associated with flashy apps and AI-driven tools, the Zillow and eXp partnership demonstrates how technology can be used to create structural transparency and consumer empowerment — values that go far beyond software.

Zillow, as one of the most visited real estate websites in the United States, has long positioned itself as a tech-forward leader in real estate. But this announcement cements its place not only as a proptech pioneer but as a vocal advocate for a fairer industry.

“It’s simple: sellers want exposure, and buyers deserve access,” said Errol Samuelson, Chief Industry Development Officer at Zillow. “When all buyers don’t have the same access to home listings — and are forced to navigate barriers, possible bias, and incomplete inventory — it undermines consumer trust and weakens the market.”

Raising the Bar for the Entire Industry

By partnering with eXp Realty, Zillow is sending a clear message to the broader industry: transparent practices are the future of real estate. And they’re inviting others to follow suit. From brokerages and MLSs to other proptech platforms, there is now a growing call to action to build an ecosystem that prioritizes accessibility, accountability, and openness.

This is not just about policy enforcement — it’s about trust. Consumers are increasingly savvy and tech-enabled. They expect real-time data, clear communication, and full visibility when searching for homes. With this move, Zillow and eXp are not just meeting those expectations — they’re exceeding them.

A New Era for Real Estate Media Coverage

For readers of this real estate magazine and industry professionals alike, this story offers more than just breaking news. It reflects a deeper shift in values that’s being accelerated by technology and embraced by forward-thinking brokerages.

Whether you’re an agent, a homeowner, a prospective buyer, or someone watching the proptech boom unfold, this is a watershed moment. It’s a reminder that progress in real estate doesn’t always look like a new app or algorithm. Sometimes, it looks like two industry leaders standing up for fairness, equality, and the consumer experience.

Conclusion: More Than a Policy — A Promise

As Zillow and eXp Realty work to create a more transparent marketplace, they’re also setting a precedent for what it means to lead with purpose in real estate. Their partnership isn’t just a strategic alliance; it’s a promise — to give every consumer the chance to see the full picture, and every agent the tools to serve more people, more fairly.

In the ever-evolving world of real estate and proptech, this moment is one worth celebrating — and watching closely.