Real EstateCompass v. Zillow: The Fight to List Every Last HouseWhat's going on: You might use Zillow to daydream about a beachfront escape or judge your neighbor’s backsplash. But behind the scenes, the real estate giant is facing a legal fight that could reshape how homes hit the market. Compass, the largest real estate brokerage in the country, is suing Zillow for allegedly violating antitrust laws and stifling competition in the online listing space. At the center of the dispute: Zillow’s policy, announced in April, which bans any home from its platform if it isn’t posted there within 24 hours of hitting the market. Compass’s CEO likened it to if Amazon kicked off sellers who listed items on their own websites before the e-commerce giant’s. Zillow pushed back. It called the claims “unfounded” and said delays or hidden listings “create barriers to homeownership.” What it means: Nearly every homebuyer now searches online, and Zillow dominates that digital landscape. It’s not just for buyers — it’s also a go-to for curious (or nosy?) neighbors keeping tabs on local listings, renovations, and tax bills (and with some of the wild design choices these days, can you blame them?). This may look like an industry spat, but the stakes are real. Zillow charges brokers and agents to advertise listings. Without real competition, those fees could rise — and that cost may trickle down to buyers and sellers. The lawsuit also lands during a national housing crunch, with prices high and inventory low. In a market this tight, even platform policies can shape what homes people see — and how much they pay. Related: Can a YouTube Series Help Solve the Housing Crisis? (The Guardian) |