Real estate platforms like Zillow and Redfin have revolutionized the way home buyers, sellers, and investors interact with the market. One of their most powerful features is the ability to show real-time or near real-time listings pulled from local Multiple Listing Services (MLS). But how frequently do these platforms actually update their data from the MLS? Understanding this frequency can help you make more informed decisions and avoid frustrations like encountering outdated listings or missing hot new properties on the market.

TLDR (Too Long; Didn’t Read):

Zillow and Redfin both pull data from MLS databases, but their update frequency varies. Redfin generally updates its listings every 5 minutes in many major markets, making it one of the fastest real estate platforms in terms of freshness. Zillow, on the other hand, also updates frequently, though the speed may depend on the agreements it has with local MLSs and can range from every 15 minutes to several hours. If real-time data is critical for your search, Redfin might offer a slight edge in many areas.

What is MLS and Why is it Important?

The Multiple Listing Service (MLS) is a database that real estate professionals use to share listings and coordinate sales. These databases contain details about properties for sale, recently sold homes, and listings under contract. MLS access is typically restricted to licensed real estate agents, which is why public platforms like Zillow and Redfin rely on data feeds from MLSs to display listings on their websites.

For home buyers and sellers, having access to up-to-date MLS data means better decisions and fewer surprises when it comes to property availability, pricing, and status.

How Often Does Redfin Pull Data From MLS?

Redfin has built a reputation for offering some of the most accurate and frequently updated real estate data among consumer-facing platforms. In most of the major U.S. markets, Redfin updates MLS listings every 5 minutes. This rapid refresh cycle is a result of Redfin being a real estate brokerage itself, which allows it to maintain direct and deeper connections with MLS systems.

This fast update rate means users can typically:

  • View new listings within minutes of them being added to the MLS
  • Get alerts for price changes in almost real-time
  • Access data that’s less likely to be outdated or inaccurate
data

Furthermore, Redfin apps and web platforms often indicate exactly when a listing was last updated, giving users an added layer of transparency that many other platforms lack.

How Often Does Zillow Pull Data From MLS?

Zillow’s relationship with MLSs is somewhat more complicated. Unlike Redfin, Zillow is not a traditional real estate brokerage in most areas, so it doesn’t always have the same type of data access. The frequency with which Zillow updates listings can vary widely depending on:

  • The agreements Zillow has with specific MLS systems
  • Whether listings are added by agents directly versus pulled from syndication partners
  • The size and geographic location of the market

In general, Zillow states that its MLS data updates every 15 minutes in many locations, but in less active or more rural markets, updates could be delayed and happen only every few hours. Additionally, because Zillow often allows homeowners and agents to post “For Sale By Owner” directly on the platform, there may sometimes be discrepancies in listing accuracy and availability.

The Role of IDX (Internet Data Exchange)

A big part of how platforms like Zillow and Redfin receive MLS data is through something called Internet Data Exchange (IDX). This is a standardized way that MLSs share listings with third-party platforms. Redfin, due to being a brokerage, is a participant in these exchanges and may receive more comprehensive data and faster updates.

Zillow, depending on the local market, may or may not be a participant in IDX. In some areas, Zillow chooses to enhance or bypass IDX feeds with direct feeds from agents or brokerages, which can affect both the data quality and the update speed.

Why Update Frequency Matters

Homebuyers and sellers may underestimate how vital timely information is during a transaction. A delay of even a couple of hours can mean:

  • Missing a newly listed property in a competitive market
  • Relying on outdated pricing or availability details
  • Submitting offers based on incorrect assumptions

Frequent updates also mean greater transparency and reliability, which improves user trust and satisfaction. This is particularly important for buyers using filters, saved searches, or push notifications.

Additional Considerations

It’s worth noting that update frequency also depends on:

  • Agent Responsiveness: Even if Zillow or Redfin updates promptly, the quality of the data still depends on how quickly the listing agents update their MLS entries.
  • Platform Limitations: Some mobile apps may cache data, causing delays in how soon users see updates even if servers receive them in real-time.
  • Technology Stack: Redfin has invested heavily in backend systems designed to process updates quickly and push them live to users within minutes.

Conclusion

When it comes to how often Zillow and Redfin pull data from MLS, Redfin generally offers faster and more consistent updates due to its brokerage model and close integration with MLS systems. Zillow also updates frequently, but the timing can vary depending on the region and the source of the listings. For users who prioritize real-time data and listing accuracy, understanding these update schedules can be a helpful tool during the buying or selling process.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • Q: Which platform updates its listings more frequently, Zillow or Redfin?
    A: Redfin typically updates its listings every 5 minutes, whereas Zillow’s updates can range from 15 minutes to several hours depending on the location and data source.
  • Q: Is the data shown on Redfin and Zillow always accurate?
    A: Both platforms strive for accuracy, but Redfin tends to offer more up-to-date information due to its direct MLS integration. Zillow’s data may vary, especially in areas with limited MLS partnerships.
  • Q: Why is there sometimes a delay between a listing appearing on MLS and on Zillow?
    A: Delays can occur due to data processing time, differences in syndication methods, or regional agreements governing data feeds.
  • Q: Do both platforms show the same listings?
    A: Not always. While there’s overlap, some listings may appear only on one due to direct agent entries, “For Sale by Owner” posts, or regional data access.
  • Q: How can I get the most up-to-date listings?
    A: Using Redfin in supported markets offers faster updates. Additionally, working with a real estate agent who has direct MLS access ensures real-time information.