Court merges 2 class-action cases against Zillow
To “enhance fairness to all parties,” a Seattle judge approved a motion to combine two cases alleging RICO and RESPA violations related to Zillow Home Loans.
December 11, 2025
AJ LaTrace
Director, News Reporting
AJ has covered real estate for the last decade as a reporter and editor for publications including Vox Media's Curbed, Chicago magazine and Business Insider. At Business Insider, AJ led the brand's coverage of how everyday people invest in real estate as a means of gaining financial independence, and he reported on big-picture trends and pain points in the broader U.S. real estate market. AJ is based in Chicago, where he also moonlights as a small-time landlord.
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- The Ten: Private listings in the spotlight — and the courtroomDivisions over private listings deepened in 2025, with major industry players going head-to-head and others warning of the risks to a fair and open market.December 5, 2025
- How NAR spent its money in 2024The organization brought in $360 million in revenue, primarily from member dues, and spent more than $76 million on compensation. Another big expense? Lobbying.December 3, 2025
- Why eXp is opting for ‘consumer choice’ over ancillary revenueWhile many brokerages are looking to boost profits through consolidation and attached services, eXp leaders want consumers to know they have options.December 2, 2025
- Why did Zillow remove climate data from its home listings?The home search site is pointing users elsewhere for climate risk info, a move it says aligns with “varying” MLS rules. But what those rules are is not clear.Updated December 3, 2025
- Why HomeSmart is leaning into human support over AIAs other brokerages go all in on AI and automation, HomeSmart President Stacey Onnen wants to make sure that her firm’s agents “never feel left on an island.”December 1, 2025
- Brokerages retool referral disclosures after failed NAR voteBenchmark Realty and eXp Realty have unveiled new referral fee disclosure forms to enhance transparency and bolster agents’ fiduciary responsibility to clients.November 26, 2025
- New, existing home costs nearly identical — will that last?In Q3 of 2025, there was only a $30 difference in the monthly payments for typical new and existing homes, a new report from Realtor.com suggests.November 25, 2025
- The 2nd-fastest-growing tech company? It’s a real estate firmWith revenue up nearly 30,000% over three years, upstart brokerage LPT Aperture Holdings took second place in Deloitte’s 2025 Technology Fast 500 list.November 19, 2025
- Industry still vulnerable post-settlement, researcher warnsA fatigued DOJ and regulator inaction may embolden legally risky industry practices. It’s up to consumers to push for change, CPC’s Stephen Brobeck believes.November 18, 2025
- Closing the homeownership gap for service membersVeterans can afford far fewer homes than they could 10 years ago, but new programs — and savvy agents — can help more veteran buyers get to the closing table.November 11, 2025
- Zillow surveys Anywhere agents amid legal battle with CompassMany agents said they would make, or perhaps consider, a move if Compass and Anywhere merge — a possibility other brokerage leaders are keeping an eye on.Updated November 7, 2025
- Off-MLS transactions cost sellers thousands, new report findsIn San Francisco, where the typical home costs over $1M, new data indicates the share of on-MLS listings is rising — and off-MLS sellers lose significant sums.November 6, 2025
- Buyer agents asking for higher fees than they were 3 years agoDespite some reports suggesting agent commission rates were dropping, a CPC report finds that 95% of buyer agents ask for 2.5-3% of a home’s final sale price.November 4, 2025
- Compass CEO says ‘more choice’ is coming after record quarterCEO Robert Reffkin signaled that Christie’s would serve as Compass’ “blueprint” for integrating Anywhere’s franchise brands and for further organic growth.November 4, 2025
- RE/MAX revenue stagnates as US agent losses persistBut the company reported an all-time high for its global agent count, with its international pool growing 9% year-over-year.October 31, 2025
- Real Brokerage revenue up 53% as agent count tops 30kThe company is also bolstering its AI offerings to “reduce manual or low-value processes across the organization,” execs said during a Q3 earnings call.October 30, 2025
- Sales of new homes lose momentum, giving buyers an opportunityThe share of newly built homes for sale is at the lowest level in four years as builders scale back and existing home inventory rebounds.October 29, 2025
- Brokerage M&As are picking up — but culture is still keyWindermere Co-President OB Jacobi explains what goes into an acquisition — including when it does — and doesn’t — make sense for companies to come together.October 18, 2025
