Dave Gallagher

Buyer agents asking for higher fees than they were 3 years ago Despite 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.

New research from the Consumer Policy Center finds that more buyer agents are asking for a 3% commission today than they were a few years ago. CPC researchers say agents may be "charging a risk premium to help ensure the continuation of pre-settlement rates."

www.realestatenews.com/2025/11/04/b...

When giants buy giants: ‘Ghost ship’ sails on amid portal wars Trulia went from rival to teammate after Zillow’s 2015 acquisition, but new challengers emerged — including Rocket, with its purchase of Redfin, and Homes.com.

"It does feel like a bit of a ghost ship," Trulia founder Pete Flint said. "It's there, but underinvested and not growing. I look at it pretty frequently, and it's really not changed in a decade."

www.realestatenews.com/2025/10/30/w...

Hoby Hanna, the leader of the largest independently owned, privately held brokerage in the country, isn't concerned about the residential brokerage industry consolidating into just a handful of giants.

www.realestatenews.com/2025/10/16/h...

Lot sales spike after LA fires amid rebuilding challenges California’s January wildfires ravaged Altadena and the Pacific Palisades, but optimism is helping the communities maintain their spirit.

#realestatenews #realestate

Compass to share exclusives — if brokers, MLSs play by 2 rules The leading brokerage wants rival brokerages and MLSs to agree not to alter or monetize its private listings. It also wants to put “false accusations” to rest.

From Compass: "There are narratives circulating that make false accusations. By showing that we will make our exclusive inventory available to anyone who agrees not to alter or monetize the listing and keep the listing agent front and center..."

www.realestatenews.com/2025/07/11/c...

Is the surge in delistings good news for buyers? Homes are spending more time on the market and about 20% of listings are getting price cuts, according to Realtor.com’s latest market trends report.

#realestatenews #realestate

Compass sues Zillow, escalating private listings fight Zillow is “abusing its monopoly power,” Compass CEO Robert Reffkin said. Zillow says its policy is designed to ensure homes are marketed to all consumers.

#realestatenews #realestate

MV Realty update: Listing agreements terminated in Florida The brokerage has faced multiple lawsuits over its controversial listing agreements, which sparked allegations of predatory and deceptive behavior.

#realestatenews #realestate

Over 2.5 million claims filed in commissions lawsuits Based on the number of claims filed by the May 9 deadline, each home seller could receive around $250 from the over $1 billion settlement fund.

#realestatenews #realestate

MLS PIN deal approved after long-fought battle with DOJ A Massachusetts judge granted preliminary approval on June 10, nearly two years after a proposed settlement drew intense scrutiny from the Justice Department.

#realestatenews #realestate

Buying optimism up as consumer anxiety eases Fannie Mae’s monthly survey indicates Americans are feeling better about market conditions, interest rates and job security than they were earlier this spring.

#realestatenews #realestate

Buyers back in the market as mortgage rates plateau An uptick in mortgage applications and stabilizing rates could be signs that the slow spring homebuying season has potential for some turnaround.

#realestatenews #realestate

A way to end private listings fight? Make Clear Cooperation the law A draft bill in Illinois would require licensed agents to add listings to a “platform or website accessible to the general public” within a calendar day.

A bill in Illinois would require licensed real estate agents to make their listings public within one calendar day, putting an end to the fight over private exclusives.

www.realestatenews.com/2025/05/07/a...

Fed ‘couldn't confidently say’ if rate cuts will happen this year The Federal Reserve left interest rates unchanged at its May 7 meeting amid an uncertain economic environment. “We don't feel like we need to be in a hurry.”

#realestatenews #realestate

Mortgages, rentals push Zillow into profitability Revenue jumped 13% and traffic increased 5%, beating expectations. CEO Jeremy Wacksman credited bundled offerings while affirming Zillow’s new listing rules.

#realestatenews #realestate

Compass sues NWMLS over ‘anticompetitive’ rules In the 39-page complaint, Compass alleges that NWMLS policies prohibiting pre-marketing are preventing “meaningful competition from gaining traction.”

Compass has formally filed suit against NWMLS over its rules that prevent pre-marketing and Compass’ private exclusives listing strategy.

www.realestatenews.com/2025/04/25/c...

Buyers back off, sellers face reality as slowdown continues Economic experts warn home sales may begin to slow as concerns about the economy and fluctuating mortgage rates give potential homebuyers pause.

#realestatenews #realestate

Gino Blefari steps down as HomeServices CEO After more than 5 years in the top role, Blefari, now chairman emeritus, is handing off the reins to Chris Kelly, the company's executive vice president.

#realestatenews #realestate

The latest on Zillow’s new listings rules as 2nd brokerage commits NextHome joins eXp as an official partner in the move to bar listings that are publicly marketed but off-MLS, while eXp explains how its Exclusives fit in.

#realestatenews #realestate

EXIT Realty settles in Gibson commissions case Details of the deal were not disclosed in the April 8 filing. Meanwhile, a few of the remaining defendants are trying to get the judge removed from the case.

#realestatenews #realestate

Canadian lumber taxes could further increase new home costs Independently of other recent tariffs, the U.S. is preparing to more than double levies on softwood lumber from Canada, and builders should “plan accordingly.”

#realestatenews #realestate

Windermere exec slams Compass over 'dirty' tactics “We're gonna kick their ass and we're going to do it without a private listing network,” Windermere Co-President OB Jacobi said about competing with Compass.

#realestatenews #realestate

Zillow to bar publicly marketed listings not shared via MLS The move, endorsed by eXp, could affect listings that are promoted via social media, yard signs and other means allowed by NAR’s “delayed marketing” policy.

#realestatenews #realestate

NAR keeping Clear Cooperation — with a key addition A new complement to CCP will allow for “delayed marketing,” giving home sellers the ability to keep their listings out of the IDX feed and off search sites.

Big news on the real estate front this morning — the National Association of Realtors is keeping its Clear Cooperation Policy in place but adding a new “Multiple Listing Options for Sellers” which allows sellers and their agent to delay marketing via the IDX.
www.realestatenews.com/2025/03/25/n...