Are You Really Seeing the Full Market? What Zillow Isn’t Showing You Could Cost You

In a market where inventory is low and competition is high, buyers can’t afford to miss opportunities. Yet, many are unknowingly doing just that—because they’re relying on platforms that don’t show the full picture.

Zillow is often the first stop in the home search journey, and we get why. It's easy to use, widely known, and full of listings. But here’s the truth: Zillow isn’t just a search site anymore. It’s now a licensed real estate brokerage in all 50 states, with business interests that go beyond helping you browse homes.

What Zillow’s Policy Means for Buyers

Zillow recently implemented a new listing policy that could have a major impact on both buyers and sellers. Under this policy, if a home is initially marketed to consumers through private or exclusive channels—without being listed on a public MLS and made broadly accessible where buyers typically search—it will not appear on Zillow. 

This doesn’t just affect a few homes. In highly competitive markets like Maplewood, Montclair, Short Hills, Millburn, and the surrounding areas, some of the most desirable properties are marketed privately first. When platforms like Zillow block these listings, buyers don’t get the full story.

We Respect Sellers’ Rights

At the Allison Ziefert Real Estate Group, we believe sellers should have the right to control how and where their home is marketed. Whether the goal is to maintain privacy, test the waters, or prepare for a public launch, sellers deserve flexible options—and trusted guidance to help them make the right call.

We also believe that buyers deserve transparency and access. And that means going beyond a single search tool. 

Low Inventory? Limited Visibility Makes It Worse

Trying to buy a home in a low-inventory market is already a challenge. When major search sites filter what you can see, it adds another layer of difficulty—and frustration.

You might spend weeks watching the market, only to find out your ideal home was sold off-market, or never showed up on your favorite app. My prediction is that we will start to hear this from buyers all the time: “How did I miss that one?”

The answer? It wasn’t on Zillow.

Better Tools, Better Access

To make sure you’re not missing out, we recommend broadening your search. Great alternatives to Zillow include:

• ✅ Compass.com – Our go-to platform with up-to-date listings and private exclusives.
  
  

• ✅ Realtor.com – A direct feed from most MLS systems.
  
  

• ✅ Homes.com – Another reliable tool with fewer restrictions.
  
  

These platforms don’t block listings that begin off-market or within agent networks. They offer a more complete view of what's actually available.

What You Can Do Right Now

• Talk to your agent about listings that aren’t online.
  
  

• Use multiple search platforms—don’t rely on just one app.
  
  

• Work with a team that has local insight, private network access, and a pulse on homes coming soon.
  
  

Our team has deep roots in the Montclair, Short Hills, Millburn, Maplewood, South Orange, and surrounding markets. We know how to find—and secure—homes before they ever appear online.

The Bottom Line

If your home search is limited to what shows up on Zillow, you’re not seeing the whole market. And in a fast-moving environment, that could mean missing the perfect home.

Let’s make sure you’re seeing everything. Reach out to our team today—we’ll help you get the full picture.