Zillow Seeks to Syndicate IDX Listings to Zillow

Dec 22, 2011 Michael Wurzer

One of our MLS customers has reported that Zillow is seeking permission from MLSs to syndicate listings they now possess through the acquisition of Diverse Solutions.  The email forwarded states, in part:

Also, something we were not expecting is coming up. We are starting to get  inquiries from agents and brokers that are Diverse Solutions and Zillow customers wondering if we can take THEIR listings from the IDX feed we maintain for them and syndicate them to Zillow.com.  The benefit to them is that their listings would be 100% up to date at all times and they won’t have to do anything to maintain their listings.

Since we are receiving these requests we would like to know if this syndication would be allowed.

Of course, this move by Zillow isn’t surprising and likely was a key motive behind the Diverse acquisition.  I’m curious if other MLSs have received a similar approach from Zillow and, if so, whether your MLS is allowing the syndication.

Update: Zillow CEO Spencer Rascoff addresses this topic on his own blog.