Note: Access the introductory Zillow Preview and Zillow Showcase webinars hosted by REMAX the week of April 6 on REMAX University:

GENERAL

What is happening?

Starting April 13, REMAX affiliates in the U.S. have the option to begin using the Zillow Preview and Zillow Showcase platforms.

REMAX was one of the first real estate brands to partner with Zillow Preview, a new program that provides REMAX affiliates with pre-market exposure and engagement via the most visited real estate portal in the U.S. The goal is to provide participating agents with early marketing power without sacrificing public access.

REMAX has also secured significantly discounted enterprise pricing and terms for Zillow Showcase, an optional, premium offering currently used by many REMAX agents. Effective April 13, REMAX affiliates can secure Showcase at a special price of $150 per listing – without a contractual obligation.

Where can REMAX affiliates get more details?

This REMAX-Zillow resource page, which will evolve over time, contains the most updated information – with details on getting started, learning more, and marketing their participation on social media and other channels.

What is Zillow Preview?

Zillow Preview gives participating brokerages and agents early listing exposure to more than 235 million average monthly unique users in a clear, pre-market phase on Zillow’s sites and apps. By shining a brighter spotlight on pre-market listings, agents will be better able to measure interest, engagement and buyer response before a home hits the open market.

What is Zillow Showcase?

Zillow Showcase is an optional, premium product that includes an elevated display (complete with a 3D tour, interactive floorplans and high-quality photos), brokerage branding, priority placement in search and map results, and dedicated email alerts to reach serious buyers faster. According to Zillow, Showcase listings generate, on average, 75% more page views, shares and saves than non-Showcase listings. They also help sellers get 2% more in price, on average. Also, agents using Showcase are winning 30% more listings than agents who aren’t.

Why has REMAX entered into this agreement with Zillow?

REMAX was one of the first real estate brands to partner with Zillow Preview because it believes that transparency and the broadest exposure for listings delivers the best outcomes for buyers and sellers. REMAX feels this approach and opportunity is what’s best for the industry and is in line with what consumers want and deserve. The most important voice in real estate is the consumer’s, and providing broader exposure to listings in a pre-market phase is a win for buyers and sellers as well as agents.

Are the additions of Zillow Preview and Zillow Showcase part of a larger REMAX marketing strategy?

Yes. These Zillow offerings will ultimately be integrated into REMAX Marketing Studio, where REMAX affiliates will have the opportunity to bundle products and placements that work best for them. Today’s news is an exciting step forward in the evolution of REMAX Marketing Studio and what’s available to REMAX agents to help them stand out and deliver the best results for buyers and sellers.

Are brokerages or agents required to use both Preview and Showcase?

No. Brokerages and agents are free to decide what works for them. That said, transitioning a Preview listing into a Showcase listing is a smart strategy that covers the property from pre-market to sale.

Do both Preview and Showcase create leads for the listing agent?

They do. Both listing displays include a “Contact Listing Agent” button that connects potential buyers to the listing agent.

What happens if the listing agent doesn’t respond to an inquiry?

In Preview, if the listing agent doesn’t respond to a “Contact Listing Agent” inquiry, the lead is sent to a Zillow Preferred Agent – and if that agent closes a sale with the lead, a portion of the fee paid to Zillow is passed to the listing agent’s brokerage. The process is similar in Showcase, but no fee comes back to the listing agent or brokerage. “Shared revenue” applies only to Preview listings.

Does the “shared revenue” opportunity apply only if the Preview lead buys that particular home?

No. It applies to any home the lead buys with the assistance of that Zillow Preferred Agent.

How will REMAX affiliates learn more about Zillow Preview and Zillow Showcase?

Zillow will conduct ongoing how-to webinars on the process, starting this week. The initial schedule (registration required):

The Zillow team will also have open Office Hours (registration required):

Additional training materials will be available soon.

Does Zillow have a dedicated Support Line for the REMAX account?

Yes. REMAX affiliates with questions or issues can contact Zillow Support via a line created for this partnership, or via Zillow’s general support channels:

If a brokerage or agent is ready to start today, how do they do it?

Affiliates will activate Zillow Preview and/or purchase Zillow Showcase through a Zillow workspace that’s been created for them. They create their workspace via this address (app.zillow-workspace.com) or through a new Zillow tile on MAX/Center. Eventually, this process will be integrated into REMAX Marketing Studio.

To create a new workspace, affiliates should follow these steps:

Step 1: Go to app.zillow-workspace.com

Step 2: Click “New to Zillow Workspace? Sign Up”

Step 3: Enter your remax.net email and click “Continue”

Step 4: Create a password

Step 5: Add phone number and get sent a text code

Step 6: Once you get a verification email sent with a code (You might have to click re-send for it to send)

Step 7: Enter the code

Step 8: You should see the screen asking to accept the workspace

ZILLOW PREVIEW

Does Zillow Preview operate within MLS rules?

Zillow Preview is structured to operate within local MLS frameworks, and Broker/Owners and agents are responsible for understanding and complying with their local rules. If a local MLS does not permit public pre-marketing, agents and brokers should follow that policy and refrain from publishing a listing in Zillow Preview. In markets where certain forms of pre-marketing are permitted, Zillow Preview provides a way to bring listings to a broad consumer audience earlier in the process, consistent with local MLS rules. 

What happens if MLS rules don’t allow Zillow Preview?

While Zillow Preview was designed to operate within the MLS framework, agents should continue to follow local MLS rules and regulations as it pertains to Coming Soon and pre-market listings.

What is included in Zillow Preview?

To support early, enhanced exposure for pre-market listings, Zillow Preview provides priority placement in search and saved-home alerts, and gives agents insights into views, saves, shares and tour requests for their listings.

Who is eligible to participate in Zillow Preview?

All REMAX Broker/Owners and agents in the U.S. can participate in Zillow Preview if they choose. Zillow Preview will be available in all U.S. markets, except New York City, where StreetEasy is exploring an offering. Although Zillow Preview is an optional program, access must be unlocked at the brokerage level. Once a REMAX brokerage has chosen to participate, that brokerage’s agents can then determine if they’d like to include a listing on Zillow Preview as part of their listing and marketing strategy.

Is there a cost associated with Zillow Preview?

There is no cost to participate.

Where will Zillow Preview listings appear?

Zillow Preview listings will appear on the Zillow and Trulia sites and apps. That adds to the already global visibility remax.com, the No. 1 most visited real estate franchisor site, affords agents’ listings.

Can every REMAX agent start using Zillow Preview immediately?

Zillow Preview requires an opt-in at the brokerage level. Zillow sent Docusign emails (from “Kristen Nielson via Docusign” with the subject line “Complete with Docusign: REMAX & Zillow Brokerage Agreement”) to every brokerage last week. If an office cannot find theirs, they can reach out to Zillow for a resend.

Once a brokerage has signed the agreement, are they required to post every listing as a Zillow Preview?

Not at all. Brokerages and/or agents choose which listings should be featured as a Zillow Preview. This is not an all-or-nothing proposition.

Is Preview the same as Coming Soon?

No. Zillow Preview listings have not yet hit the MLS. (Think of Preview as Zillow’s pre-market option.)

Do users need to manually input their Zillow Preview listing details?

Yes, because those properties aren’t in the MLs yet.

Are the listing agent’s other contact details (phone number, etc.) displayed in Zillow Preview?

Yes, the listing agent’s information is displayed, along with REMAX branding.

Is there a referral fee for leads created by the “Contact Listing Agent” button?

No, there’s no fee for those leads. They are delivered to the listing agent at no cost.

How long is the preview period for Zillow Preview?

Listing agents can determine how long to include their listing in Zillow Preview, depending on strategy and local rules and requirements.

How will Preview listings be displayed in search results (map/list)?

Right now, Preview listings have premium placement on the display page. Zillow is currently creating a search filter for Zillow Preview properties.

Can an agent promote a Zillow Preview listing on social media?

Yes, although no showings or tours are allowed until the listing hits the MLS.

Are other brands and competitors also using Zillow Preview?

Yes, although REMAX was the first to partner with Zillow on its new Zillow Preview offering. Other participants include Keller Williams, HomeServices of America, Slide and United Real Estate. After the announcement, more than 20 other brokerages and brands have signed on.

Where can REMAX affiliates go to learn more about Zillow Preview?

More information will be shared in the coming weeks. In the meantime, REMAX affiliates can visit grow.zillow.com/preview  for Zillow FAQs and more information. (Do not fill out the form on that page.)

ZILLOW SHOWCASE

What are the special REMAX prices for Zillow Showcase?

The normal retail price for Showcase runs from $300 to $750, with a six-12 month contract and an obligation for at least one listing a month. Through the REMAX enterprise pricing, affiliates will pay $150 per listing, with no contract or minimum. The savings also extend into the required media (photography, 3D tour, interactive floorplan). If they need the services of a Zillow Media Expert, REMAX affiliates will now pay a flat rate of just $249 for an Essential package or $429 for a Premium package.

Is the Zillow Media Expert expense required?

Not necessarily. All Zillow Showcase listings require high-quality photography and 3D tours, but if affiliates can secure those elements on their own, they won’t need to use (or pay for) Zillow Media Experts. That said, the low REMAX price for these packages is very competitive with what other options may cost.

Can current Showcase users get the new REMAX pricing?

Yes! Agents or brokerages already paying for Showcase can cancel their contracts and shift to the REMAX enterprise pricing. They should contact their Zillow sales rep to start the process. If they have credits, they can still use them.

Is there a penalty for current Showcase users to cancel their contracts and move to the REMAX pricing?

No. There’s no penalty. It’s a free, easy process that starts by contacting their Zillow sales rep.

Is a brokerage agreement required for Zillow Showcase?

No. The required agreement is for Zillow Preview only. All U.S. REMAX agents or teams can buy Showcase packages – at the heavily discounted REMAX rate – right now.

Will active REMAX listings be automatically transitioned to Zillow Showcase?

No, because elevating a listing to Showcase is optional. To turn an active listing into a Showcase listing, the agent needs to go into the workspace, pay the $150 fee, and make sure the listing has the media requirements of 10 photos and a Zillow 3D Tour.

Is the new Showcase pricing exclusive to REMAX?

Yes. Although other brands may also have pricing plans, the deep REMAX discounts are solely for REMAX affiliates.

How will this partnership impact the Showcase cap of 10% of listings in a market?

REMAX agents who want to use Showcase will be allowed to do so – regardless of how many other Showcase listings exist in an MSA.

Do all Showcase listings need to have high-quality photos and 3D tours?

Yes. Those elements are required for the elevated Showcase presentation. Zillow has several options for agents in that regard.