Washington private listings bill could soon be the law
Legislation prohibiting selective marketing of residential properties has cleared the state’s House and Senate and is expected to be signed by the governor.
March 6, 2026
Industry News
The trends, shifts and services affecting the industry as a whole.
- New CEO takes the reins at Stellar MLSShayne Fairley steps into the role formerly held by Merri Jo Cowen. Plus, Sotheby’s Canada names new president; IVRE appoints chief growth officer; more.Updated March 5, 2026
- Lawmakers target ‘free money’ home equity finance modelA new bill focused on home equity investment contracts underscores a widening fight — and rising scrutiny of a model built around appreciation, not interest.February 28, 2026
- Rocket revenue surges: ‘Every move is deliberate and focused’The mortgage giant ended the year strong with two major acquisitions and loan volumes at a 3-year high. “We're hitting every key milestone,” the CEO said.February 26, 2026
More in Industry
- Compass finds a new outlet for exclusive listings: RedfinRocket agreed to begin immediately displaying the brokerage’s “Coming Soon” listings on Redfin — reversing Redfin’s earlier pledge to bar such listings.February 26, 2026
- Compass makes C-suite appointment; Zillow promotes 3 leadersAnywhere’s top accounting exec is now CAO at Compass. Plus, Zillow elevates rentals, comms leaders; BPP installs board members; DeCaro Auctions names a new CEO.February 25, 2026
- CoStar touts Homes.com momentum, bets big on AI after strong Q4CoStar CEO Andy Florance reiterated support for the Homes.com business model during a Feb. 24 investor call, dubbing it the “global best practice” for portals.February 24, 2026
- Could referral fees be real estate’s next legal flashpoint?A new Consumer Policy Center report says referral fees charged by companies like Zillow and Realtor.com reinforce high commissions.February 24, 2026
- AI and real estate data: Who’s making the rules?As AI becomes more embedded in transactions, MLSs are pursuing a “license, not lawsuit” strategy to create guardrails, protect consumers — and limit legal risk.February 23, 2026
- Was ‘corruption’ involved in DOJ review of Compass-Anywhere deal?Several U.S. lawmakers have expressed concern over the merger’s speedy closing. Plus, SCOTUS strikes down tariffs; a new step in Fannie, Freddie IPO; more.February 20, 2026
- Zillow moves to dismiss RESPA case: ‘Thin on substance’The Taylor case, filed in September 2025, claims Zillow Flex agents are pushed to steer clients to Zillow Home Loans — allegations the home search giant denies.February 20, 2026
- Opendoor CEO: ‘We’re asking you to hold us accountable’After a turbulent year, Opendoor’s revenue fell, but the company’s CEO is bullish on its potential. Rival iBuyer Offerpad, meanwhile, hopes to 3x transactions.Updated February 23, 2026
- Major lender accused of steering, RESPA violations in new lawsuitThree homebuyers, represented by Moehrl attorneys, filed a class-action suit claiming Veterans United Home Loans facilitates “illegal referrals and kickbacks.”February 19, 2026
- CoStar confirms layoffs following investor criticism, AI pushThe workforce reductions land as the company launches a new AI initiative and engages in a public battle with hedge funds over Homes.com spending.February 19, 2026
- REMAX names new president; tech exec joins Offerpad boardA year after joining REMAX, Chris Lim has been appointed president. Plus, Tela Gallagher Mathias joins Offerpad’s board; NAHB names 2026 leaders.February 18, 2026
- Lone Wolf taps new CEO; Fathom names VP of growthMatt Fischer takes the reins at the proptech giant. Plus, Stephanie Verderose becomes Fathom’s first-ever VP of growth; Rocket exec Mike Fawaz steps down.February 17, 2026
- NAR discrimination case appealed; FTC, Zillow squabbleThe lawsuit filed by a former NAR employee resurfaces after its January dismissal. Plus, a judge mulls whether to toss the FTC’s case against Zillow and Redfin.February 13, 2026
- A promotion at Hanna; new execs at MoxiWorks, Bluegrass RealtorsMollie Hanna Lang shifts into an expanded role at the independent firm. Plus, MoxiWorks appoints new VP; Kentucky association names 2026 president; more.February 13, 2026
- NAR applauds Congress’ ‘bold action’ on housingA bipartisan housing package is headed to the Senate. Plus, FHFA repeals 2024 fair housing rule; Congress reauthorizes NFIP; new jobs, inflation data coming.February 10, 2026
- Zillow beats investor forecasts with double-digit revenue gainsThe company’s mortgage and rentals divisions continued to drive growth at the end of 2025, with overall revenue up 18% year-over-year in Q4.Updated February 11, 2026
- ARMLS CEO to retire; ATTOM makes C-suite appointmentMatt Consalvo will leave his post at ARMLS in 2027. Plus, Kara Taylor is named ATTOM’s chief growth officer; John R. Wood Christie’s names a new VP of sales.February 9, 2026
- Zillow can continue enforcing private listing ban, judge rulesIn a Feb. 6 ruling, a judge denied Compass’ injunction request, citing insufficient evidence of irreparable harm and skepticism of conspiracy, monopoly claims.February 6, 2026
- Realtor.com a bright spot in News Corp earningsThe home search site’s CEO, Damian Eales, touts “the most engaged audience in the industry” and support for MLSs as fuel for future growth.February 6, 2026
- CoStar continues to refute ‘false narrative’ about Homes.comIn its latest response to investor criticism, CoStar says demands to offload the portal “demonstrate a fundamental misunderstanding of our business.”February 5, 2026
