Why Zillow, Redfin & Realtor.com Show Different Histories for the Same Property (And What Boston Buyers Must Know)

Zillow, Redfin, and Realtor.com display different listing histories for the same property due to fundamental business model differences: Zillow (media aggregator) anchors to parcel IDs and stitches history algorithmically; Redfin (brokerage) follows strict MLS display rules that honor listing ID resets; Realtor.com (NAR partner) prioritizes agent-friendly presentation. Days on Market resets via delist/relist cycles using 30/60/90-day MLS windows, and buyers who cross-check platforms gain critical negotiating leverage by uncovering hidden market exposure.

All home buyers in competitive markets, first-time buyers unfamiliar with MLS dynamics, investors evaluating deal quality, buyers agents seeking transparency tools, anyone who's noticed conflicting data across platforms.

• •Platform business models dictate data display: Brokerage (Redfin) vs Media (Zillow) vs Industry Partner (Realtor.com)
• •Days on Market resets when properties are withdrawn 30-90 days depending on MLS (MLSPIN typically requires 60 days)
• •Zillow's parcel ID architecture stitches listing history across MLS IDs; Redfin treats each listing ID as distinct
• •Price history, photo count, and status updates vary by platform due to different data feeds and display policies
• •Cross-checking 3 platforms reveals true market exposure: properties showing <60 DOM on one platform may have 200+ cumulative days
• •Questions to ask agents: 'When was this first listed across all MLS entries?' and 'Why do platforms show different DOM?'
• •Platform discrepancies signal opportunity: extended hidden exposure = seller motivation + buyer leverage