MLSs must hand over listing data in Sitzer; NAR, Umansky at odds
Flexmls had refused to release MLS data on its platform. Plus, a special master in Sitzer/Burnett is accused of bias; FTC, Zillow want witnesses nixed; more.
Updated August 11, 2026
Real estate in the courtroom
- Heavy-hitters back Zillow’s SCOTUS petition in securities caseFormer SEC and U.S. Chamber of Commerce officials, among others, are urging the court to grant Zillow’s request for review of an investor lawsuit filed in 2021.August 7, 2026
- Batton judge grants final approval of KW, REMAX settlementsThe brokerages will pay nearly $30 million in combined damages. The Aug. 4 ruling resolves all homebuyer claims and related future actions against the firms.August 5, 2026
- Court steps in to assist with Sitzer/Burnett, Gibson settlementsTwo special masters were appointed to oversee the distribution of funds. Plus, eXp sexual assault case headed to trial; intervention requested in Tuccori; more.July 28, 2026
More Real estate in the courtroom
- Judge dismisses case alleging Zillow violated RESPA, RICO lawsThe Taylor case claimed Zillow incentivized partner agents to steer homebuyers to its mortgage division. The plaintiffs can refile, but must do so by Aug. 17.July 27, 2026
- New wrinkle in commissions settlement as Flexmls withholds dataThe Sitzer/Burnett plaintiffs filed a motion today after FBS “refused” to provide listing and seller data MLSs agreed to release per the settlement terms.July 22, 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
- Zillow, MRED, Compass make 11th-hour bid in latest legal filingsThe portal, MLS and brokerage are anticipating a ruling on whether Zillow will retain access to MRED’s data feeds. The judge could decide as soon as next week.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
- 2 days in Chicago that could change real estate everywhereAt the Zillow vs. MRED/Compass preliminary injunction hearing, a judge listened to three irreconcilable theories. His ruling could have lasting consequences.Updated July 6, 2026
- Day 1 of Zillow-MRED hearing: Collusion or contradiction?Execs from Zillow, Compass and MRED testified in Chicago on Wednesday in a hearing that could have implications for how listing rules can be enforced.July 2, 2026
- MRED makes bid to compel arbitration in battle with ZillowThe Chicagoland MLS appears to be seeking alternative solutions to a preliminary injunction hearing, which is scheduled to begin this week.June 30, 2026
- Compass transaction fees under fire in new class-action suitHomebuyers in Florida are alleging that the modification of their purchase contract to include a $475 brokerage fee was both “illegal” and “unreasonable.”June 26, 2026
- Real Brokerage dismissed from Taylor caseA day after Real’s motion to compel arbitration was granted, the plaintiffs moved to dismiss the firm from the antitrust case against Zillow.Updated June 25, 2026
- Judge orders stay in RESPA case involving Zillow, Real and eXpThe ruling also granted Real’s request to compel arbitration. Plus, CoStar filing rejected in MRED case; Compass settles telemarketing complaint.June 23, 2026
- NAR subpoena in PLS legal battle raises questionsARA Co-founder Jason Haber expressed skepticism about the subpoena's relevance to the case: “What does this have to do with a lawsuit about private listings?”June 23, 2026
- KW, REMAX deals in Batton move forward; CoStar blasts ZillowThe settlements appear close to final approval. Plus, CoStar says Zillow’s trying to “avoid accountability” in copyright case; VU asks court to toss RESPA suit.June 10, 2026
- Zillow rival asks judge to deny injunction in MRED listings battleCoStar, which operates competing portal Homes.com, filed a brief on Wednesday saying the court shouldn’t reward Zillow’s “own anticompetitive conduct.”June 10, 2026
- Opt-in deals totaling $106M approved in Tuccori11 settlements in the homebuyer commissions case were preliminarily approved Tuesday, including deals with NAR, HomeServices, Hanna Holdings, Compass and eXp.May 27, 2026
- Judge grants Zillow’s request to reinstate MRED listing feedsWhile a partial win for Zillow, the MLS and Compass also praised the decision, which bars the portal from excluding MRED listings that don’t meet its standards.May 22, 2026
- Zillow asks court for restraining order to restore MRED data feedAfter the MLS cut Zillow’s feeds — a “dramatic and unprecedented decision,” per a court filing — the portal requested an emergency order to reinstate access.Updated May 22, 2026
- Zillow responds to FTC claims as antitrust case moves forwardNow that its motion to dismiss the case has been denied, the home search giant has issued a response to the federal agency’s antitrust allegations.May 20, 2026
- Zillow asks court to preempt MRED listing feed terminationIn a May 18 motion, the portal says the MLS — in coordination with Compass — has threatened to cut Zillow’s feed and “kneecap” its ability to compete.Updated May 19, 2026
- Rocket sues UWM for putting a ‘bounty’ on Mr. Cooper loansThe mortgage giant claims that UWM tried to win back thousands of loans purchased in 2024 by Mr. Cooper, costing the company millions.May 14, 2026
