Realtor.com’s new Spotlight Listings program is a smart, back-to-basics move that gives listing agents the visibility they’ve been asking for—and does it the right way.
For years, brokers and MLSs have pushed portals to follow Fair Display Guidelines. That means when a consumer views a property, they see the listing agent—not competitors who paid for the lead. Realtor.com’s Spotlight Listings does exactly that. When buyers click “contact agent,” their question goes directly to the professional who knows the property, not to a random agent who’s never set foot inside it. Consumers prefer it that way too. They want answers from the source.
Spotlight Listings works by moving properties to the top of search results, the same model that made Google Sponsored Search a cornerstone of digital marketing. Placement at the top drives more clicks, more visibility, and better engagement. Realtor.com adds a red “Spotlight” tag on map views that catches the eye and further boosts interaction. It’s simple, proven marketing logic applied to real estate listings.
The other advantage: these Spotlight Listings are also featured in listing alert emails sent to active buyers. That drives even more impressions and high-quality traffic back to the listing. It’s a classic “better visibility equals better results” equation, now baked into a platform that already skews toward serious buyers.
From the seller’s perspective, Spotlight Listings are just as powerful. Sellers can see their agent’s marketing at work—real exposure, measurable results, and reporting that proves it. The agent didn’t just take photos and post the listing to the MLS. They moved it to the front of the line, and Realtor.com’s performance data shows it. Sellers expect their agents to bring buyers to the property, and this program makes that expectation visible. Listing agents who can demonstrate and deliver superior marketing sell homes faster, achieve higher prices, and win more listings. Those are three powerful points for any listing presentation.
For listing agents, the payoff is tangible. Increased views and leads from Realtor.com will show up in their ListTrac reports, clearly demonstrating value to sellers. While Realtor.com doesn’t claim the biggest traffic numbers, their audience is often more intentional—and that’s what delivers higher-quality leads and faster closings.
Compared to Zillow and Homes.com, the distinction is clear. Zillow’s Showcase Ads put listings in premium positions but often surround them with competing agent promotions that confuse consumers and dilute the listing agent’s role. Homes.com promotes its “Your Listing, Your Lead” model, but it relies on display ad products rather than true search prominence. Realtor.com’s Spotlight Listings bridge both worlds: top placement that performs, paired with Fair Display Guidelines that keeps the consumer connected to the right agent. It’s a straightforward approach that respects the listing relationship while still leveraging proven digital advertising principles.
Overall, this is a strong, strategic move by Realtor.com. Spotlight Listings combine the power of premium placement, Fair Display Guidelines, and consumer-friendly engagement into a single package that helps agents prove their worth in a shifting market. Watch the video below to learn more.
Obviously, price is always a question. There are a lot of choices when it comes to marketing listings. Make good choices. It is also not clear from the press release if there are agent, broker, and team programs. If you feel inclined, contact your Realtor.com representative by clicking here, or call +1-800-839-2909 to get the details.