In today's shifting market, transparency isn't just a buzzword — it's a competitive edge. Especially in New York City, where buyers are savvy, inventory is tight and competition is fierce, access to listings isn't a luxury — it's a necessity.

StreetEasy®, the Zillow brand built for NYC, sat down with five standout agents who are also StreetEasy Experts to learn how they've built lasting success in one of the world's most competitive markets. Their common thread: leading with transparency.

1. Open access leads to a healthier, more competitive market

For Trina Cooper, leader of The Cooper Team at Corcoran and a StreetEasy Agent Advisory Board (AAB) member, transparency isn't a trend — it's a must.

"The truth is, the market can only work if you open the doors wide," she says. "A seasoned agent should be able to price correctly — but it's the market that ultimately decides the value. When a property is listed publicly and professionally, it reaches all potential buyers, not just a curated few. That competition is what drives stronger offers and, often, bidding wars."

Takeaway: The logic is simple: When listings are publicly and professionally marketed, they reach the most potential buyers. That exposure sparks competition — and competition drives stronger offers.

2. It levels the playing field for every brokerage

When all listings are visible, every agent has a shot — not just the biggest firms.

"Transparency levels the playing field and allows boutique firms to compete on what matters most: service, trust and local expertise," says Nikolay Afanasyev, also a  StreetEasy AAB member and founder of CITY SPHERE. "It builds credibility across the entire industry. Think of it like hospitality — some of the best experiences come from well-run boutique hotels that prioritize care and attention."

Takeaway: In a transparent marketplace, success doesn't hinge on firm size — it hinges on agent skill. It's not about who controls the most inventory, but who delivers the best service.

3. Openness builds long-term client trust

Today's buyers and sellers want more than results — they want someone they can fully trust.

Agents who prioritize open access know that doing so is foundational to building long-term relationships with clients. 

"I've had clients who trusted me to guide them through their first purchase, later their sale and eventually the purchase of their next home," says Sarah Silva, an agent with Brown Harris Stevens and a StreetEasy AAB member. "That kind of trust only comes when people feel informed and never blindsided. I believe my job is to present all the information clearly and honestly so they can make decisions with confidence."

Takeaway: In an era of information overload, agents who offer clarity and honesty rise above the rest. It may come as no surprise that Zillow data shows the top characteristic that buyers with an agent are most likely to consider highly important is a trustworthy initial impression (83%). Open access builds the kind of trust that turns one-time buyers into lifelong clients.

4. More exposure = stronger offers

In Afanasyev's experience, most sellers want three things: getting the best price, selling quickly, and avoiding hassle.

"The more buyers and brokers we reach, the more competition we create — and that directly drives results," Afanasyev says. "Maximum exposure means more showings, more offers, and ultimately, higher chances for a smoother and more successful transaction for the seller."

Cooper agrees, adding that while closed listing networks might feel more controlled, they often mean sellers leave money on the table.

"If you want your seller to achieve the best possible outcome, you need full exposure, clean data and informed buyers who've had the opportunity to see it," she says. "That's how top dollar is achieved."

Takeaway: Maximizing exposure creates competition that can drive higher offers, faster sales and smoother transactions. Limiting visibility often means sellers risk leaving money on the table.

5. It's what consumers expect

Today's consumers are used to having all the info at their fingertips — and real estate should be no different.

"In today's day and age, keeping your home off the open market rarely ever works," says Marco Druzetich, who specializes in luxury real estate with Douglas Elliman. "We always end up selling when marketing online, because at the end of the day, 95% of our business comes from sharing listings widely. Transparency helps the seller get a fair price, and the buyer not to overpay."

Takeaway: Consumers expect access to real-time, reliable information in every industry — and real estate is no exception. In fact, Zillow research shows that most prospective buyers (90%) believe seeing and accessing all for-sale home listings should be free for home shoppers. Limiting listing visibility doesn't just go against the grain — it may not align with your client's best interests.

So how can agents promote open access?

• Make it part of your brand: Silva puts it simply: "Transparency isn't just good ethics; it's good business." Clients remember agents who keep them informed and confident every step of the way.

• Educate sellers early: Always explain the "why." Walk clients through the value of maximum exposure, and if they still prioritize privacy above price, be clear about the trade-offs.

• Use platforms that value openness: StreetEasy and Zillow are designed to maximize visibility — giving buyers broad access to listings — and helping sellers reach more serious, motivated shoppers.

Bringing it home: Open listings can help build trust, encourage competition and often drive better results. 

StreetEasy is an assumed name of Zillow, Inc. which has a real estate brokerage license in all 50 states and D.C. See real estate licenses. StreetEasy Concierge team members are real estate licensees, however they are not your agents or providing real estate brokerage services on your behalf. StreetEasy does not intend to interfere with any agency agreement you may have with a real estate professional or solicit your business if you are already under contract to purchase or sell property.