Zillow Announces New State-Specific Touring Agreement

Zillow announced today (August 1, 2024) that it is providing 24 new state-specific touring agreements to help real estate agents get ahead of NAR settlement changes—specifically the one requiring buyer agents to have a signed buyer representation agreement before showing a property to a potential buyer. 

Zillow’s non-exclusive seven-day touring agreements, launched on April 30th, gave agents a way to assist buyers without locking them into an exclusive relationship with them. 

The new versions are written with state compliance requirements in mind and are available only to Zillow Premier Agents. 

Zillow’s State-Specific Touring Agreements

Zillow’s Touring Agreement is designed to facilitate initial discussions about compensation and exclusivity once agents meet with buyers. The agreement specifically covers touring activities for a period of seven days. This allows homebuyers to feel more at ease, as many feel reluctant to sign a long-term contract with an agent they’ve never met. At any point, the seven-day contract can be superseded by a more comprehensive buyer agreement. 

While all agents have access to the Touring Agreement Zillow released in April, only Premier Agent partners will be able to use the state-specific versions.

For Premier Agents who choose to opt-in, here’s how it works:

• Potential buyers are offered the Touring Agreement when they schedule a tour. They can sign the agreement online or in person. 
• Agents can choose whether the Touring Agreement is sent automatically or manually to potential buyers. 

In a blog post, Zillow Industry Development Officer Errol Samuelson wrote the following about the roll-out of state-specific touring agreements: 

“Buying a home is complex and often comes with a lot of stress: Half of buyers tell us they cried at some point during the process. Without an expert prioritizing their individual needs, buyers can miss out on making a competitive offer, leave money on the table in the negotiation, ignore potential pitfalls or waive important aspects such as inspections – which can end up costing them later. Most buyers want and need an expert on their side – we don’t see that changing.

“The requirement to have an agreement in place prior to touring a home will be new for most consumers and agents. As we move forward, it’s important to remain focused on who the real estate industry serves: buyers and sellers. We’ve long championed a more fair and transparent marketplace. In this moment of evolution, we’re extending an invitation: Join us in putting consumers first.”

24 States Where Premier Agents Can Use a State-Specific Touring Agreement from Zillow

According to Zillow, each version is “drafted with state-specific compliance in mind and, when possible, input from state regulators.” 

Here are the 24 states that currently have a version ready for use:

1. Arizona
2. California
3. Florida
4. Georgia
5. Illinois
6. Massachusetts
7. Maryland
8. Minnesota
9. Missouri
10. North Carolina
11. New Jersey
12. New York
13. Nevada
14. Ohio
15. Oklahoma
16. Oregon
17. Pennsylvania
18. South Carolina
19. Tennessee 
20. Texas
21. Utah
22. Virginia
23. Washington
24. Wisconsin

To learn more and review FAQ’s, head to Zillow Premier Agent.