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A New Era for Real Estate Listings
The introduction of the “Boost” feature by Homes.com marks a pivotal moment for brokers and homeowners affected by Zillow's recent private listing ban. Andy Florance, the CEO of CoStar Group, articulated that Homes.com aims to stand against what he terms a “blacklist” of private listings, believing this move provides more marketing opportunities for agents facing restrictions on one of the most well-known platforms.
Empowering Homeowners and Agents
The [Homes.com Boost](https://www.inman.com/2025/05/09/homes-com-will-boost-listings-that-are-banned-on-zillow-florance/) is launched with significant ambition: to empower those sidelined by Zillow. By allowing listing brokers and individual homeowners to “boost” their listings, Homes.com promises increased visibility for a fee of $260, with waived payments for those directly impacted by Zillow's ban. This approach seems to be not just a marketing strategy but a competitive response to traditional marketplace norms.
Why This Matters
The decision by Homes.com to support listings that face bans on Zillow prompts a larger discussion about market fairness and accessibility in real estate listings. Florance expressed a view that restrictions imposed by major platforms negatively impact agents' ability to earn a living. "It's about ensuring that all agents have the opportunity to be seen, rather than being hidden behind a corporate decision," he stated.
The Competitive Landscape Evolved
With both Homes.com and Redfin exploring similar restrictions on private listings, the competitive landscape is transforming. Redfin has announced a ban on private listings as well, with implementation timelines yet to be specified. This suggests an industry-wide shift that could limit options for both buyers and sellers, underscoring the importance of alternative platforms like Homes.com.
Potential Benefits of Homes.com Boost
- **Increased Visibility:** Listings boosted via Homes.com are prioritized on search results and in advertising across major platforms like CNN or ESPN.
- **Free for Affected Users:** The offer to waive fees for agents specifically impacted by past bans opens doors for many to remain competitive.
- **Real-time Tracking:** Agents can use a dashboard to monitor key metrics related to their listing's performance, enhancing decision-making in real-time.
What’s Next for Real Estate Agents?
The rollout of the Boost tool is not just about helping individual listings. It serves as a statement against monopolistic trends in real estate listing services. Florance emphasizes that as agents and homeowners start to see viable alternatives to listings on larger platforms, it’s crucial for the real estate community to adapt and embrace new avenues, or risk becoming obsolete. "Why indeed would you limit yourself to one platform?" he challenged.
This pivots the conversation towards the necessity of diversifying listing strategies and the potential of utilizing emerging platforms to ensure broader visibility.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
As a property owner or agent, consider exploring Homes.com’s Boost feature to enhance your listings, especially if you're facing restrictions elsewhere. Harnessing this tool could be crucial in navigating today’s rapidly changing real estate market, ensuring your voice is heard amid shifting corporate strategies.
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