The Great Debate in Real Estate: Privacy or Public Access?

Not long ago, a client sat across from me and asked, ”Why wouldn’t I want everyone to see my home the minute I’m ready to sell?”

It’s a smart question—one grounded in a long-held truth in real estate: visibility drives opportunity.

But like most things that matter, the answer isn’t black and white. It’s shaded by nuance, timing, and the deeply personal circumstances behind every sale.

And now, that conversation is playing out on a national stage, as some of the biggest names in real estate make moves to define how listings appear—and who gets to see them.

Transparency at the Forefront: The Intent Behind CCP, Zillow & Redfin

When the National Association of REALTORS® introduced the Clear Cooperation Policy (CCP) in 2020, the goal was simple:

Level the playing field.

The rule required that once a property is publicly marketed, it must be listed in the MLS within one business day—ensuring buyers had equal access and sellers weren’t given unfair advantages through shadow listings.

Fast forward to 2025:

Zillow and Redfin have extended that spirit of fairness by implementing new policies that prioritize MLS-first listings. Properties marketed privately more than 24 hours before hitting the MLS are now ineligible to appear on their platforms.

Their intention is clear:
→ Equal access for all buyers.
→ Transparent inventory for agents and consumers.

It’s a move that reflects where many believe the industry is heading—toward greater openness, clearer timelines, and shared data standards.

But What About Seller Choice?

At the same time, it’s important to recognize that not every seller has the same goals—or comfort level—with instant, widespread exposure.

Some are managing complex family transitions.
Others value discretion due to personal or professional circumstances.
And some simply want to test pricing and presentation before launching publicly.

To meet these needs, Bright MLS—one of the largest MLS systems in the U.S.—updated its rules in 2024, allowing:

• Office Exclusive Listings (marketed within a brokerage)
• Limited Marketing Listings (submitted to the MLS but withheld from public websites)

These aren’t loopholes—they’re lifelines for clients whose needs fall outside the one-size- fits-all model.

A Spectrum of Strategy, Not a Battle Line

What we’re seeing isn’t a showdown between “right” and “wrong.”
It’s a healthy tension between two important values:

Openness and Optionality.

Zillow and Redfin are raising the bar on consumer fairness, ensuring buyers aren’t left out of private listing circles.
On the other end, platforms like Homes.com have embraced agent-driven strategy, giving sellers more flexibility on how and when they go public.

Both approaches are trying to solve the same problem from different angles:

How do we honor the interests of all parties in a market that’s deeply personal and increasingly digital?

My Belief: Strategy Should Be a Conversation

I’ve always believed that real estate isn’t just about listings—it’s about lives.

Some homes deserve an opening night.
Others need a soft launch.
Many need both.

This isn’t about hiding inventory.
It’s about respecting the human context that surrounds every transaction.

We need rules that protect buyers and serve sellers.
We need platforms that make things clearer—not colder.
And above all, we need to keep the conversation going.

A Future Built on Both Sides of the Story

As we navigate this evolving landscape, let’s lead with wisdom, not extremes.

- Let’s celebrate platforms that raise the bar on access.
- Let’s support policies that protect privacy where needed.
- And let’s empower agents and clients to work together with clarity, trust, and choice.

Because when it comes to something as sacred as home, the stakes aren’t just listings.
They’re stories, families, and fresh starts.

And that’s worth getting right.

If you’re looking for guidance in this shifting market—or just trying to make the best
decision for your next move—you’ll find trusted insight and thoughtful strategy at:
www.theoldfathergroup.com

We’re here to help you write your next chapter—on your terms.