I
n the high-stakes game of real estate, Compass is taking a bold move in Washington state. The brokerage has launched a private listings push, defying MLS rules that prohibit pre-marketing and risking steep fines for its agents. But Compass leadership is standing firm, promising to cover any penalties and backing its agents every step of the way.

    The campaign kicked off with a blitz of private exclusives, with CEO Robert Reffkin publicly highlighting participating agents on social media. Sam Cunningham, one of the first to join the effort, said it was a top-down strategy that had come from Compass' headquarters as a test pilot. "Pre-marketing is going to happen anyway," he noted, citing 20% of sales in Washington state happening off-market.

    Cunningham's comments echo Reffkin's stance on NWMLS, which he has accused of being a monopoly controlled by Windermere. The brokerage has also taken aim at the organization's board of directors, with Reffkin calling out its six Windermere seats as evidence of collusion. Despite this, NWMLS remains tight-lipped about its next move.

    Compass agents who participated in the private listings push reported no fines from NWMLS, but the organization did issue a warning to stop posting private listings after March 28. The MLS has given Compass a temporary reprieve, allowing agents to continue listing properties for a week before enforcing the rules again.

    As the battle between Compass and NWMLS intensifies, one thing is clear: the stakes are high, and the outcome will have far-reaching implications for the real estate industry in Washington state. With the median sale price over $850,000, the Seattle region is a hotbed of competition, and Compass is determined to stay ahead of the curve.