Zillow Data Dashboard: How, What, Why

Earlier this week, Zillow announced the upcoming launch of the Zillow Data Dashboard (ZDD), a new listing management and reporting platform that puts increased control of listings in the hands of MLS members and brokers — right where it should be.

As with any major feature announcement, there was a mixture of buzz, platitudes, head-scratching and questions.

What does the ZDD look like? How do I get it? What does it do? Do I need it? Why should I care? What if I want it NOW? Those questions and more began to surface, so we thought we would provide a little more insight.

The question of what the ZDD looks like is easy to answer with some sample screen shots. Take a peek. Just keep in mind this is a brand new feature and will almost certainly morph and change over time — for the better, of course!

What does the Zillow Data Dashboard do?

I am not a technologist or a web developer. I can't explain how the ZDD connects to the MLS and moves data back and forth. That falls under the category of 'Magic' to me.

In a nutshell and in normal-people language, the ZDD facilitates the exchange of information between MLSs and brokers and Zillow. The MLS can send listing data to Zillow (typically this is called a 'feed') and we then take that stream of data — think pictures, number of beds/baths, listing description —  and display the information on Zillow. The ZDD makes that happen. It will also collect information on consumer activity, such as how many times the listing came up in a search or how many times it was clicked on, and report that back to the MLS and broker.

In short, the ZDD is a tool to exchange data between MLSs/brokers and Zillow.

How do I get the ZDD?

Mail a check to Jay Thompson at... No, wait, it's FREE! How do you get it? Just ask!

Agents: Since brokers 'own' the listings, it's really your broker who needs to participate — so your only job is to say, 'Hey, broker! Get us on this Zillow Data Dashboard pronto!'

Brokers: We have an email address specifically designed for this project: partners@zillow.com. Let us know that you're interested in learning more about the Zillow Data Dashboard and someone on the team will get right back to you.

MLSs: Same for you. Just email partners@zillow.com.

Why should I care about the ZDD?

Listing data accuracy is important. Direct MLS/brokerage feeds are the data quality 'gold standard.' You want your new listings up on Zillow fast. You want price changes updated fast. And you want that to happen without having to put in a bunch of systems and processes. You want the Zillow Data Dashboard.