How agents should handle the private listings drama 

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Real estate is having a moment. Actually, several. Simultaneously.

Compass is suing NWMLS. NWMLS has returned fire.

Zillow and Redfin have new rules for listings that appear on their platforms. Some brokerages have done the seemingly impossible, praising Zillow's decision. Others cry, "Typical Zillow BS!" And most forget what really matters: Your client doesn't care about what's happening in the weeds, they care about themselves.

Private listings are back in the spotlight, cast as the villain, the hero and the misunderstood side character in this never-ending industry drama. Windermere, for one, isn't pulling punches.

Meanwhile, you — an agent with actual clients and actual deadlines — are just trying to figure out if any of this will affect your open house on Saturday.

Here's the good news: Most of it won't.

Here's the better news: The parts that will affect you? You can handle them.

Most buyer and seller questions haven't changed

Yes, it's important to pay attention. The industry is shifting, and some of these changes will eventually trickle down to your daily routines. But no, you don't need to stop what you're doing to earn a degree in antitrust law.

Just keep one eye on the horizon and one on your inbox.

Because while policy wonks, portal execs and association lawyers are rewriting the rules, your clients are still asking the same questions:

• "Can I afford this house?"

• "Will my offer stand out?"

• "How much longer will my home sit on the market?"

• "Why does the home inspector hate happiness?"

And those questions? They still have human answers. Your answers.

The chatter may be louder, but your role hasn't changed. You're still the translator, guide and sometimes therapist. The one who turns chaos into clarity. 

What you actually need to know 

You shouldn't ignore what's happening, but you should think about it in a way that serves your clients.

Start here:

• Understand how private listing policy changes might affect your sellers. Some clients want discretion. Others want exposure. Make sure you know which direction your local MLS is leaning and how to explain the options clearly — in understandable language, not legalese on a disclosure form.

• Brush up on your brokerage's approach to buyer-broker compensation. In the wake of settlements and new rules, clarity around commissions is becoming a front-line issue. Know what documents you need, how to frame the conversation and how to get it in writing.

• Be ready to explain why Zillow or Redfin suddenly look different. Clients notice, even if they don't fully understand. You don't need to recite the algorithm, but you should be able to explain changes without sounding like you've gone full conspiracy theorist.

The truth is, this isn't the first time the industry has shifted, and it won't be the last. Real estate has always been messy. We just added legal footnotes and portal plot twists for flair.

But you've already been doing the hard part:

• Building trust in unpredictable markets.

• Delivering clarity when rates spike or inventory vanishes.

• Navigating change without losing your sanity — or your sense of humor.

So let the portals argue. Let the policy documents pile up. Let Twitter/X do what it does (whatever that is now).

You? Keep doing the work that actually moves people forward. Keep showing up. Keep listening. Keep leading.

And maybe keep a bottle of wine — or a chocolate stash — on standby.

Because tomorrow's headline is already loading. And you're more than ready for it.

Jay Thompson is a former real estate agent, broker-owner and industry outreach director. He is currently an industry consultant and sits on several boards. The views expressed in this column are solely those of the author.