Key facts
- Zillow and Realtracs have finalized an updated data licensing agreement.
- The agreement ensures Nashville-area listings will continue to be available on Zillow.
- New restrictions have been implemented on how Multiple Listing Service (MLS) data can be used, including for AI applications.
- Realtracs serves the Nashville region and markets across Tennessee, Kentucky, Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina.
- Agents and brokers in the region will retain access to Zillow-owned tools like Follow Up Boss, dotloop, and ShowingTime.
Zillow and Realtracs have finalized an updated data licensing agreement that will continue to provide Nashville-area listings to Zillow, while also introducing new restrictions on how Multiple Listing Service (MLS) data can be utilized, particularly concerning artificial intelligence applications. The deal covers Realtracs' service areas across multiple Southern U.S. states.
This agreement aims to establish a modern standard for licensing and using broker-created listing data, with explicit protections for emerging technologies like AI. Both Zillow and Realtracs share a position that publicly marketed homes should be visible to all potential buyers, emphasizing maximum market exposure as the default, while still respecting sellers' privacy choices.
Realtracs president and CEO Stuart White stated that the MLS is committed to brokers and agents and ensuring their property listing platform provides accurate information and seller control over marketing reach. He expressed satisfaction with the modernized license agreement, noting its clearly defined use rights, responsible standards, and enhanced protections for broker data.
The negotiations followed a period of tension where Realtracs had threatened to suspend Zillow's listing data feed if compliance with updated IDX display policies was not met. Zillow was reportedly the only major portal not in compliance by a May 31 deadline. The feed was temporarily extended before the final agreement was reached.
This resolution occurs amidst a broader context of disputes between Zillow and various MLSs, including a recent temporary restraining order granted to Zillow against Midwest Real Estate Data (MRED) in Chicago over alleged breaches of license agreements. Both MRED and Realtracs had also announced plans for nationwide expansion, securing agreements with Compass and United Real Estate.