Why Zillow Isn’t Showing “Coming Soon” Listings Anymore (And What It Means for You)

If you're buying or selling a home, you’ve probably used Zillow at some point. It’s one of the biggest platforms out there, and many people rely on it to see what’s new, what’s pending, and what’s coming soon.

But here’s something many don’t know: Zillow has stopped showing “Coming Soon” listings in many areas, including here in Arizona.

So what does that mean for you as a buyer or seller?

 If You’re a Seller

Your home might be live... but no one knows yet.
The “Coming Soon” status was designed to create hype before your home officially hit the market. It was like a movie trailer, giving buyers a sneak peek and building demand. But now that Zillow no longer shows homes in this pre-market phase, sellers lose one of the biggest audiences available.

This affects your momentum.
That early window used to help generate interest, schedule pre-showings, and even get offers lined up before day one. Without it, your listing has to work harder when it finally goes live.

Your agent needs a stronger pre-launch plan.
Now, more than ever, it’s important that your agent uses other channels like Instagram, Facebook, email marketing, and even paid ads to let people know what’s coming soon. You can’t rely on Zillow alone.

 If You’re a Buyer

You’re missing out on homes you would have loved.
If you’re only searching Zillow and wondering why you haven’t seen anything new lately, this is why. Homes that are about to hit the market aren’t being shown in advance anymore, which means you may be a few steps behind more prepared buyers.

By the time you see it, it may already have offers.
Without the “Coming Soon” preview period, some homes may hit the MLS and have showings lined up or even offers before you ever see them on Zillow.

You need to be connected to a Realtor who sees everything early.
A professional agent can send you alerts directly from the MLS  often before they’re on Zillow or Redfin. That’s how you stay ahead of the game.

 What You Can Do Instead

For Sellers:

• Ask your agent how they’ll market your home before it goes active

• Use social media, email blasts, and your agent’s network to build hype

• Don’t assume Zillow is enough. Buyers are everywhere now

For Buyers:

• Get set up on a custom MLS search, not just Zillow

• Ask your agent to notify you of any “Coming Soon” listings

• Be ready to move fast when something hits the market

Final Thoughts

Zillow is still a useful tool, but it’s no longer showing you the whole picture, especially when it comes to what’s about to hit the market. Whether you’re buying or selling, having an agent who understands how to work around this change is more important than ever.

Want to stay ahead of the game? I’ve got access to listings before they’re on Zillow. Reach out, and I’ll make sure you’re never the last to know.

Hector Hernandez | Realtor
HouzAZ & Associates | Realty ONE Group
(602)566-9664
Hector@houzaz.com