Zillow Faces Suspension of Tens of Thousands of Chicago-Area Listings
Midwest Real Estate Data has threatened to suspend Zillow’s access to tens of thousands of Chicago-area listings by Tuesday night for refusing to display MLS-syndicated listings marketed in private channels. Zillow filed a federal motion to block the suspension as the companies’ dispute over private-network listings escalates into litigation.
1. Feed Suspension Threat
MRED has given Zillow until 11:59 p.m. Central time Tuesday to display all listings syndicated on its MLS—including those marketed in private channels—or face loss of access to tens of thousands of Chicago-area properties.
2. Dispute Background
The conflict arises from Zillow filtering out listings from MRED’s Private Listing Network and Compass’ pre-market offerings, which MRED says breaches its licensing agreement forbidding websites from restricting listings based on broker affiliation.
3. Potential Impact
If MRED cuts off the feed, Zillow could experience reduced market coverage, lower user engagement and diminished advertising revenue in one of its largest metropolitan markets while awaiting a court injunction.