Homes.com Offers Free Listing Boost to Properties Banned by Zillow and Redfin

In a continued ripple effect following the recent decision by Zillow and Redfin to ban privately marketed (off-MLS) listings, Homes.com has stepped in to offer support to impacted agents.

Zillow and Redfin's controversial policy refuses listings that have been privately marketed—even if the seller has provided written consent—preventing these properties from ever appearing publicly on their platforms.

Homes.com's Response

Responding to this policy, Homes.com announced it would offer its premium "Boost" service at no charge to listings that Zillow and Redfin have excluded. Typically, Homes.com charges around $260 per property for this boost.

The Boost service includes:

• Prominent positioning of listings at the top of search results

• Targeted digital marketing campaigns

• Increased overall visibility to potential buyers

Unique Advantages of Homes.com Boost

Another distinctive feature of Homes.com's Boost service is that listings prominently display only the original listing agent's contact information. Unlike platforms that route inquiries to multiple agents, Homes.com ensures leads generated from the boosted listing remain exclusively with the listing agent.

Implications for Real Estate Professionals

This development underscores the ongoing debate about transparency, marketing flexibility, and agent control within the real estate industry. For real estate professionals, especially those entering the field, this is a crucial reminder to stay informed about different listing platforms' policies and their implications for marketing strategies.

Brokers should consider the reach and popularity of each of these platforms in their local area when advising clients about their options for listing their property.

How will you advise your clients who want to list their properties privately in light of the new rules from the major listing portals? Let us know in the comments below or share with a colleague in an upcoming CE Class!

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Refernces

HousingWire, "Homes.com to ‘Boost’ Listings Banned by Zillow, Redfin"

BAM, "Homes.com Will Boost Listings Banned by Zillow—For Free"

HousingWire, "Your Listing, Your Lead: The Principle Driving Homes.com's Agent-Friendly Portal"

IDX Broker, "Zillow and Redfin Listing Ban FAQ: What You Need to Know Now"