Why Zillow Removed FSBO Listings from Redfin: A Guide for Home Sellers

As of February 9, Zillow ceased sharing its for-sale-by-owner (FSBO) listings with Redfin. This decision limits the visibility of Zillow's FSBO properties on a major real estate portal but does not affect other listing data, such as Zestimates. For homeowners considering selling without a real estate agent, understanding this shift is critical to developing an effective marketing strategy. The core reason for the change stems from the different data sources governing each platform: Zillow primarily sources listings directly from brokers, while Redfin is often bound by stricter rules from local Multiple Listing Services (MLSs).

What Prompted Zillow to Remove Its Listings from Redfin?

The divergence stems from how each company accesses property listings. Redfin, as a licensed brokerage, primarily pulls data from the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), a database shared by real estate brokers to cooperatively market properties. Access to an MLS comes with specific rules about which listings can and cannot be displayed. In contrast, Zillow operates as a real estate marketplace, acquiring a significant portion of its listings through direct feeds from individual brokers, outside of the MLS framework. This difference in data sourcing means the two companies are governed by separate sets of agreements and restrictions. Zillow's decision appears to be a strategic move to control the distribution of its unique, non-MLS listings.

How Does This Impact For-Sale-By-Owner (FSBO) Sellers?

For homeowners pursuing a for-sale-by-owner (FSBO) sale—meaning they sell their property without a real estate agent—this change directly affects marketing reach. A FSBO listing posted exclusively on Zillow will no longer receive the additional exposure that came from being automatically displayed on Redfin's website. In January alone, Zillow's FSBO listings received approximately 35,000 views on Redfin. The loss of this secondary channel means FSBO sellers must be more deliberate in their listing strategy to ensure maximum visibility. However, it's important to note that Redfin has stated it will continue to display FSBO listings obtained from other sources where its MLS agreements permit.

What Real Estate Data is Still Shared Between Zillow and Redfin?

The change is specific to certain types of property listings. Both companies have confirmed that other valuable data tools remain unaffected. Redfin will continue to display Zestimates—Zillow's automated home valuation model—as well as Zillow's mortgage data and other informational content. This data is highly popular with home buyers and sellers researching the market. In fact, based on our experience assessment, Zestimates drive significantly more traffic from Redfin to Zillow's website than the FSBO listings ever did, indicating that the core informational relationship between the two platforms remains intact for consumers.

What Should FSBO Sellers Do Now?

For sellers committed to the FSBO route, a proactive and multi-pronged approach is essential to compensate for the reduced syndication.

• List on Multiple Platforms: Do not rely on a single website. In addition to Zillow, research and list your property on other FSBO-friendly sites and any local platforms that are popular in your market.
• Understand MLS Rules: If maximum exposure is your goal, investigate the possibility of a flat-fee MLS listing service. These services, offered by some discount brokerages, can place your FSBO property into the local MLS for a set fee, ensuring it is syndicated to all connected broker sites, including Redfin in many cases.
• Invest in Professional Marketing: High-quality photography, a well-written description, and perhaps even a dedicated yard sign are more important than ever to attract buyers directly.

The key takeaway for FSBO sellers is that the digital marketing landscape has shifted. Relying on a single portal is risky; a diversified listing strategy is now the most predictable path to a successful sale.