The New Dividing Lines

After Compass announced it would bring coming-soon listings to Redfin, the brokerage's competitors rolled out three new partnerships or initiatives to provide their listings with pre-MLS exposure. Here's what they look like.

The Compass model
Compass
Redfin
Rocket
  • Controlled distribution Coming-soon listings appear on Redfin and are posted to local MLSs that don't require immediate, widespread syndication to other portals. Private exclusives are expected to follow.
  • No referral fees Buyer leads from Redfin route directly to Compass listing agents with no referral fees.
  • Financial incentives Rocket Mortgage offers buyers 1% rate reductions for the first year of a loan, or up to a $6,000 lender credit.
The Zillow response
Partner Companies
Zillow
Trulia
  • Wide visibility These listings reach Zillow's 235 million monthly unique users.
  • Direct connection A Zillow Preview listing prompts buyers to contact the listing agent directly.
  • Revenue sharing Participating brokerages receive a portion of the referral revenue Zillow earns from Preferred agent transactions.
A multi-portal alternative
eXp Realty
Realtor.com
Homes.com
ComeHome
  • Push to partners Listings are syndicated to portal partners through third-party distribution platform Zenlist.
  • Strict non-exclusivity Any portal can receive pre-market listings, including Zillow and Redfin.
  • Broad footprint The strategy centers on wide digital exposure across competing national portals.
An Independent Answer
Howard Hanna
  • Internal network HannaList connects Howard Hanna's listing clients with its buyer clients before public launch.
  • MLS partnership The platform was developed in collaboration with local MLSs to ensure compliance with policy.
  • No early public exposure HannaList properties are withheld from listing portals until public launch.