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trial date has been set for a court battle between Compass and Northwest Multiple Listing Service (NWMLS) over pre-marketing rules and private listings. U.S. District Court Judge Jamal Whitehead scheduled the trial for June 8, 2026, with discovery expected to be completed by January 9, 2026.

    Compass is suing NWMLS, alleging anticompetitive business practices that limit seller choice and block its marketing strategy in the region. Compass CEO Robert Reffkin claims the MLS's rules are designed to stifle the brokerage's approach, which starts with private exclusives. In a recent status report, Compass attorneys argued that NWMLS's policies deprive homeowners of choice by preventing them from marketing properties outside of the MLS.

    NWMLS counters that its policies provide market transparency for home sellers and buyers, while Compass is pursuing a business strategy that withholds listings but expects unfettered access to other brokers' listings. The dispute began in March when Compass launched a private exclusives blitz in NWMLS's coverage area, despite the MLS's rules prohibiting such practices. NWMLS responded by suspending Compass's IDX feed for two days, prompting Compass to file its lawsuit on April 25.

    The case has been ongoing since then, with both sides presenting their arguments. A joint status report filed earlier this month revealed that NWMLS had asked Judge Whitehead to delay the trial date and discovery until a ruling was made on its motion to dismiss. However, the judge did not address this request in his recent filing.