Why Some Main Line and Philadelphia Listings Are Disappearing from Zillow and Redfin

As the school year wraps up and summer begins on the Main Line, there’s a major real estate update you need to know—especially if you’re buying or selling a home this year.

New Rules from Zillow, Trulia, and Redfin

Starting this month, Zillow and Trulia will no longer display all MLS listings of homes for sale. Redfin has announced plans to follow suit later this year.

This change impacts how many homes for sale show up in your search results, if you're using one of these platforms.

What’s the New Listing Rule?

If a listing agent publicly markets a home—via yard signs, social media, or their brokerage website—but doesn’t enter it into the MLS within one business day, that listing will be permanently banned from showing up on Zillow, Trulia, and Redfin.

Why This Matters for Main Line and Philly Buyers

If you're searching for homes on Zillow or Redfin and planning a move to the Main Line or another Philly suburb, this rule could mean you’re missing out on some listings in our competitive housing market.

Why This Matters for Sellers on the Main Line

If your agent starts publicly marketing your home (say, by putting up a yard sign or posting it on social media) but delays entering it into the MLS, your listing might be blocked from appearing on major platforms, limiting visibility to buyers.

The takeaway? Work with a detail-oriented, experienced listing agent who understands the new rules and how to avoid getting your property penalized.

What the Rule Doesn’t Affect

This new rule does not apply to:

• Compass Private Exclusives (and similar in-house listings)—as long as they are not publicly marketed.

However, it does apply to:

• Compass Coming Soons, which appear on Compass.com. These now need to be added to the MLS within one business day to continue showing up across all public search platforms.

Pro Tip: Expect many Compass Coming Soon listings to hit Compass.com on Fridays, then move to the MLS by Monday to remain compliant.

How to Stay Ahead with Compass

When you work with me, you get access to the most complete view of homes for sale on the Main Line and in the Greater Philadelphia Area:

✅ Compass Private Exclusives (off-market listings only known about within Compass)
✅ Compass Coming Soons (also shown on Compass.com)
✅ All active MLS listings
✅ Some For Sale By Owner (FSBO) homes

All of these are integrated into your Compass One portal.

Next Steps for Buyers and Sellers in the Main Line Area

Buying a home on the Main Line or in the greater Philadelphia area?
Let’s set up a customized home search that includes pre-market, private, and MLS-listed homes, so you don’t miss anything.

Selling a home on the Main Line or in the greater Philadelphia area?
We’ll create a listing strategy that works for your goals using Compass-exclusive tools.

Ready to talk about your next move?
Whether you’re upsizing, downsizing, or relocating to the Main Line or Greater Philadelphia, I’m here to guide you through every step.

Always on your side,
Siobhan Cooney
Main Line PA Real Estate Advisor | Compass RE

PS - Click here for my Homebuying Timeline and Checklist, crafted specifically for Main Line and Philadelphia area buyers!