What is really happening behind the scenes with private listings and the growing tension between Compass and Zillow? In this episode of Ladies Who List, Chicago real estate agents Hayley Westhoff and Anna Theofanous break down the controversy surrounding pocket listings and why it matters to buyers and sellers.

They explain what private listings are, how they differ from MLS listings, and how policies like the National Association of Realtors Clear Cooperation rule and Zillow’s 24-hour policy impact listing visibility and buyer access. This episode explores why some sellers benefit from private marketing strategies, including testing pricing, avoiding days on market, protecting privacy, and timing a launch for maximum impact.

You will hear real examples of how pocket listings can help sellers avoid costly pricing mistakes, create demand before going public, and adapt to fast-moving market conditions. Hayley and Anna also discuss how Zillow’s stance affects buyers searching for homes, agents paying for leads, and why alternative platforms are gaining traction as listing visibility changes.

If you are a buyer or seller navigating today’s real estate market and want to understand how marketing strategies, private listings, and industry policies could affect your next move, this episode delivers clear insight into an issue shaping how homes are bought and sold.