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bout 70 % of Anywhere agents believe selling through a private listing network is not in a seller’s best interest.
In a recent survey, 53 % of Anywhere agents said they would leave or might consider leaving if Compass goes ahead with its acquisition of Anywhere, reflecting growing unease in one of the country’s largest real‑estate networks.
Specifically, 18 % said they “definitely will” depart within a year, 35 % “might consider” leaving, and 23 % felt the deal would hurt their business overall.
The study, conducted in late October, also examined attitudes toward private listing networks.
More than half (55 %) of respondents felt that the brokerage (34 %) or the agent (20 %) benefits most from such networks, while sellers (16 %) and buyers (12 %) were seen as secondary beneficiaries.
The data suggest agents view private listings primarily as tools for recruiting and earning extra commissions rather than serving consumers.
A striking 98 % of agents emphasized a preference for transparency and fairness, warning that private networks could:
- Limit access for lower‑income buyers
- Reinforce racial segregation
- Violate fair‑housing laws
- Undermine smaller brokerages and independent agents
Zillow’s prior research confirms these concerns: off‑MLS homes tend to sell for less than comparable public listings; many sellers regret keeping their homes private; and communities of color experience reduced visibility.
Agent optimism about the market has dipped.
In the first quarter of 2025, 54 % expected more sales; this fell to 44 % in Q2 and 37 % in Q3.
Short‑term expectations also softened: only 53 % foresee increased transactions next month, compared with 66 % in Q1 and 59 % in Q2.
Despite this, most agents remain cautiously hopeful about prices: 35 % anticipate a rise in the next 30 days, 47 % expect stability, and over the next year 51 % foresee higher prices while 26 % expect them to stay roughly the same.
The overall sentiment is shifting toward a buyer‑favorable market.
Zillow regularly publishes such survey data to inform the industry. For more research, visit zillow.com/research.
