Zillow Preview Debuts in Chicago with 10% Agent Commission Incentive
Zillow launched Zillow Preview in Chicago, allowing sellers’ agents from initial partners—Keller Williams OneChicago, Re/Max, HomeServices of America, Side and United Real Estate—to advertise properties before MLS entry. Listing agents earn an extra 10% of the buyer commission when a Zillow Preferred Agent closes a deal, intensifying a turf dispute with MRED’s Private Listing Network.
1. Launch of Zillow Preview
Zillow rolled out Zillow Preview, a pre-marketing program in Chicago that lets sellers’ agents from select brokerages advertise listings before MLS entry. Keller Williams OneChicago, Re/Max, HomeServices of America, Side and United Real Estate are among the initial partners with access to the platform.
2. Ongoing Dispute with MRED
The move escalates a turf battle with Midwest Real Estate Data’s Private Listing Network, which permits agent-only listing previews off public sites. Zillow’s updated standards still bar properties listed exclusively on the Private Listing Network from later public listing on Zillow’s platforms.
3. Agent Incentives and Adoption
To drive adoption, Zillow offers listing agents an additional 10% of the buyer agent commission if a Zillow Preferred Agent closes on a Zillow Preview transaction. Agents can pair Zillow Preview with MRED’s network to maximize listing exposure and gauge market interest before tours.
4. Strategic Implications for Zillow
By expanding pre-market visibility and injecting commission incentives, Zillow seeks to strengthen its agent services revenue and data feed dominance. The program could shift early inventory control dynamics in Chicago, prompting MLS operators and brokerages to reassess listing policies.