Andrea V. Brambila

Director, News Reporting

Andrea has covered the real estate industry since 2009, specializing in legal and policy issues affecting associations, MLSs and brokerages. Her award-winning journalism at Inman was recognized for its accuracy and fairness, and her articles have been cited as reputable sources in legal filings and prominent mainstream publications. A San Francisco native, Andrea earned her master's degree at the UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism and moonlights as a karate instructor and genealogist.

Compass execs ask court to quash NAR subpoenas in PLS case
Robert Reffkin, Ashton Alexander and Cory Perkins allege NAR is trying to pressure them not to testify, calling the subpoenas “retaliatory and oppressive.”
October 26, 2026
CMLS forming $1M-plus legal action fund after Compass threats
The trade group says it will “provide financial assistance for legal matters of significance to the broader MLS industry” as lawsuits pile up.
October 23, 2026
Homebuyer sues Keller Williams franchisee over fixed broker fee
The plaintiff alleges the brokerage charged him $650 “for nothing” in violation of a state consumer protection law and the firm’s own fiduciary duty.
October 23, 2026
Realtor associations spar in court over failed merger attempt
A small Realtor association filed suit against its former CEO and the Long Island Board of Realtors, alleging they conspired to merge without authorization.
October 22, 2026
Trial begins for former eXp agents accused of sexual assault
Two former eXp agents accused of drugging and sexually assaulting another agent go on trial. The plaintiff and corporate defendants have meanwhile settled.
Updated October 19, 2026
Sellers sue REX, Colorado brokerage over alleged ‘blacklisting’
A couple who listed their property with REX in 2021 claims the now-defunct firm aided a conspiracy by not disclosing that buyer agents refused to show the home.
Updated October 14, 2026
Despite infighting, top portals offer mostly the same listing info
Zillow, Realtor.com, Redfin and Homes.com all provide similar property details — with some caveats, according to a new report by the Consumer Policy Center.
October 13, 2026
Lofty-backed law limits CIPA claims targeting brokerages
The proptech firm says it helped pass a state law that is intended to end “demand letter campaigns” alleging California Invasion of Privacy Act violations.
October 7, 2026
Compass plans to sue after Unlock defies demand letter
The Central Texas MLS says it will not bow to the brokerage giant’s demand, which Unlock CEO Emily Girard said “strikes at the very structure of the MLS.”
October 7, 2026
CRMLS files suit against Compass over listing rules
The mega MLS is asking a federal court in Manhattan to declare that its rules are pro-competitive and forbid Compass from suing over them.
October 5, 2026
Stellar MLS promises trust, accuracy with new home search site
The Cribio-powered portal will route consumer inquiries directly to listing agents, unless buyers access the site through a special link from their agent.
September 29, 2026
Zillow poised for legal fight as agent antitrust case advances
The judge allowing the case to proceed said the plaintiffs “plausibly allege” that agents “have no choice but to participate in Zillow’s referral ecosystem.”
September 29, 2026
Agents a ‘powerful’ influence on private listing choice
A recent survey of homesellers revealed marketing preferences, expectations (and disappointments), and how sellers use AI to second-guess agent recommendations.
July 20, 2026
Louisiana association matches NTREIS payments – for Realtors only
NWLAR’s CEO says the move reaffirms “the MLS as the best point of entry for listings” and signals strong support for “the value of Realtor membership.”
July 17, 2026
Can NAR build an ethics-monitoring tool — and will it?
The trade association’s use of AI for trademark enforcement is raising questions about whether such tools could also help flag member-posted unethical content.
July 16, 2026
Lofty launches ‘CIPA Defense Program,’ sues ‘serial litigant’
The proptech firm says brokerages are receiving templated demand letters alleging California Invasion of Privacy Act violations. Lofty is fighting back.
July 13, 2026
NAR’s pre-market guidance stresses broker responsibility
Sellers decide their listing’s level of exposure, NAR says. But brokers should explain how each option serves their best interest — and get disclosures signed.
Updated July 10, 2026
Judge denies FTC request to presume Zillow-Redfin deal ‘unlawful’
The court ruled that disputes over key facts remained unresolved and should not be decided ahead of the trial, which is set for August 24.
July 9, 2026
MetroTex to match NTREIS broker payments ‘dollar for dollar’
The NTREIS shareholder says the announcement "represents a significant investment in the future of organized real estate.” NWLAR is considering a similar move.
Updated July 9, 2026
MLSs ‘a priority’ for NAR’s political advocacy
NAR’s lobbying muscle is focused on ensuring MLSs aren’t classified as data brokers — but are recognized by federal agencies as “procompetitive infrastructure.”
July 9, 2026