On February 10th, Zillow announced they have entered into an agreement to acquire ShowingTime.
GBRAR has been assured that Zillow will continue to operate ShowingTime as an open platform for the entire real estate industry. Much like their acquisitions of dotloop, Bridge Interactive, and Retsly, Zillow states Showingtime will operate independent of Zillow Group and will remain accountable to the data privacy and restrictions required in existing agreements
GBRAR understands that many of our members have concerns surrounding this acquisition. As we gather the facts, it is important to remember a few things.
- Our commitment to you is to deliver the best products and services while ensuring the safety of your listing and client content.
- We are currently under contract with ShowingTime and we will ensure that they live up to the terms of that contract. Please know that the MLS Committee, our Board of Directors, and association staff will continue to monitor the safety of your data.
- Zillow is a REALTOR® member and is required to abide by the code of ethics. Our Code of Ethics is clear about how we are to speak of competitors and peers. Let’s keep this in mind as we discuss these changes in our meetings, in public, and on social media.
- Members should never engage in activities that could be construed as a violation of antitrust laws which are designed to promote vigorous competition and protect consumers from anticompetitive business practices.
Resources:
NAR MLS Antitrust Compliance Policies
Video Transcript:
Hi, I’m Scott Saporito, The Greater Baton Rouge Association of REALTOR’s 2021 President.
Since Zillow’s recent purchase of ShowingTime has been all over the news and our social media feeds, I wanted to give an update to our members.
Both Zillow and ShowingTime have affirmed that ShowingTime will continue to operate independently much like their acquisitions of Bridge Interactive, Dot Loop and others.
Zillow and ShowingTime maintain that they will remain accountable to the data privacy and restrictions in our existing agreement.
The showing history on your listings as well as your client’s data will not be misused or supplied to anyone without your consent.
We are currently under contract with ShowingTime and we will ensure that they live up to the terms of that contract. Please know that the MLS Committee, our Board of Directors, and association staff will continue to monitor the safety of your data.
We are currently exploring other showing management options just in case we determine that a change is necessary. ShowingTime is a very good service that currently meets the needs of over 2/3 of Realtors across the country so we want to make sure, if there is a need for change, that we make available a product that continues to meet your needs.
Our commitment to you is to deliver the best products and services while ensuring the safety of your listing and client content.
As always, the GBRAR staff is available to answer any questions you may have.
Thank you.
