Zillow’s New “Ban” Hurts Sellers More Than It Helps: A Texas Realtor’s Perspective

In Texas and beyond, sellers face unique challenges: limited inventory, discerning buyers, and plenty of competition. The last thing homeowners need is another outside force dictating how their property can be marketed. Yet, that’s exactly what Zillow’s new ‘listing ban’ is doing.

As a DFW Realtor for over 20 years, I want my sellers to understand how this change impacts them, because at the end of the day, selling your home should be your choice.

What Is the Zillow “Ban”?

Effective June 30, 2025, Zillow and Trulia will no longer display homes that are marketed publicly (think yard signs, Facebook posts, broker websites, email blasts, or even a “coming soon” teaser) unless the property is entered into the MLS within one business day.

If it isn’t, Zillow will permanently block the listing from showing up on its site during that listing agreement.

For North Texas sellers, that’s huge, because whether we love it or not, Zillow is one of the first places buyers look for homes in DFW.

Why This Policy Hurts North Texas Sellers

From my perspective as a local Realtor, here’s why this is a problem:

• No More “Coming Soon” Cushion. Our North Texas MLS allows agents to use a “Coming Soon” status to build buzz while a seller finishes prepping the home. Under Zillow’s rule, the second a sign goes in the yard or a Facebook post goes live, the home must be active in MLS, or risk being shut out of Zillow searches.
• Loss of Tailored Marketing. Every seller’s situation is different. Some families in Dallas, Fort Worth, or the surrounding suburbs prefer a quieter rollout to gauge interest or finalize staging. Others may want to test pricing privately. Zillow’s rule strips away that flexibility.

• Privacy & Safety Concerns. Not every seller wants full public exposure right away, especially high-profile sellers, rural landowners, or families making a move due to divorce, estate, or job changes. This policy takes away their ability to control who sees their home and when.

• Less Control, More Corporate Rules. At the end of the day, this is a tech company deciding how North Texas homeowners can sell their largest asset. That should be a decision between the seller and their Realtor,

What About FSBO in DFW?

Here’s the question I’ve already been asked: “Does this mean FSBO sellers have to list in MLS now?”

The answer is no. Zillow’s policy does not apply to For Sale By Owner listings. Homeowners selling without a Realtor can still list directly on Zillow.

But there’s a catch, many FSBO sellers use flat-fee MLS services for wider exposure. If they do that, and then put a sign in the yard or market on social media before the MLS entry, the listing could still get flagged and hidden on Zillow.

My Take as a DFW Realtor

North Texas is one of the most competitive real estate markets in the country. Sellers here already juggle pricing strategies, multiple-offer situations, and timing moves around job transfers, schools, and lifestyle changes. The last thing they need is another hoop to jump through.

Selling a home isn’t just about blasting it online, it’s about strategy. Sometimes the best move is immediate MLS exposure. Other times, a private or staged rollout makes more sense. That should remain the seller’s choice.

Final Word

This new “ban” may sound like it’s about fairness, but in reality, it limits seller options.

As your North Texas Realtor, I’ll continue to put your goals first, whether that means a fast launch on MLS, a polished coming-soon campaign, or a more discreet approach. Your home, your timeline, your choice.

📲 If you’re thinking about selling in DFW, let’s talk about the best way to position your home, before Zillow’s rules cost you visibility or leverage. DM, call or text me anytime at 817-658-2477, or visit JillSpringer.com to get started.

Your Texas Realtor,

Jill Springer