From Compass acquiring Anywhere to a new class-action targeting Zillow, 2025 may mark a turning point in how real estate is structured (and regulated).

Introduction

In September 2025, two headline-making developments are shaking the foundations of residential real estate:

• Compass announced plans to acquire Anywhere Real Estate, combining massive franchises like Coldwell Banker, Century 21, Corcoran, Sotheby’s, and others to form what the companies say would become the world’s largest residential brokerage. (realestatenews.com)
• Law firms behind the Moehrl commission lawsuits have named Zillow as a new defendant in a class-action suit, alleging its “Flex” referral program and listing policies deceive buyers and inflate costs. (realestatenews.com)

At first glance, they might seem like separate stories — one about consolidation, the other about legal exposure. But together, they sketch a blueprint of future pressures and opportunities for real estate professionals. Below, we draw parallels, unpack what each development may signify, and suggest practical takeaways for agents, teams, and brokerages.

What Each Story Means for Real Estate Professionals

1. Compass + Anywhere: The Rise of a Brokerage Giant

What’s happening?

• Compass will absorb Anywhere Real Estate (Coldwell Banker, Century 21, Corcoran, Sotheby’s, and more) in an all-stock deal valued at $10B.
• The combined firm would represent ~340,000 agents in ~120 countries.
• Integration promises stronger tech, marketing, and backend systems — but also potential standardization of fees and lead routing.
• Industry questions remain about off-MLS listings and transparency of deal flow.

What it might mean for agents and brokerages:

• Brand pressure: Independents may face more competition from mega-broker tools and marketing reach.
• Commission & fees: Expect possible standardization across brands. Read the fine print carefully.
• Lead control: Referrals and inbound leads could be centralized — know where yours are going.
• Listing visibility: Watch for shifts toward private exclusives. Ask about listing exposure upfront.
• Tech access: Big benefits in systems and marketing tools, but don’t lose ownership of your client data.

2. Moehrl Law Firms Target Zillow

What’s happening?

• New class action alleges Zillow’s Flex program misleads buyers by concealing referral fees up to 40% of agent commissions.
• The lawsuit also challenges Zillow’s “listing access standards,” which may coerce agents into mandatory syndication.
• Zillow, with 66% online real estate audience share, is accused of abusing dominance to inflate costs.

What it might mean for agents and brokerages:

• Referral transparency: Courts may force disclosure of platform cuts. Be upfront with clients about fees.
• Lead dependency: If Zillow’s model changes, agents reliant on Flex could lose a pipeline. Diversify now.
• Listing syndication: Rules may shift. Don’t assume Zillow exposure is mandatory.
• Legal/reputation risk: Agents tied to portal programs could face reputational fallout.

Big Picture: What This Dual Pressure Tells Us

1. Scale + control = influence. The middlemen — broker giants and portals — increasingly shape transaction terms.
2. Transparency is a battleground. Hidden referral fees and off-market listings are under scrutiny.
3. Diversify your leads. Don’t depend on a single portal or brokerage funnel.
4. Legal risk is rising. Middlemen models face more antitrust and consumer protection challenges.
5. Agility matters. Smaller brokerages can exploit gaps created by scale integration challenges.

Action Steps

• Audit referral/lead contracts for hidden fees.
• Diversify your lead sources beyond portals.
• Negotiate data ownership in brokerage/tech agreements.
• Stay engaged with legal and policy updates via your association.
• Highlight transparency in your client messaging.
• Be nimble — leverage your independence when giants stumble.

Conclusion

The Compass-Anywhere megamerger and the lawsuit against Zillow are two sides of the same coin: consolidation of power and growing scrutiny of those who hold it. For real estate professionals, the path forward is clear — lean into transparency, protect your independence, and diversify your business pipelines. The industry’s balance of power is shifting, but those who adapt quickly will thrive.