C
ompass is doubling down on its "seller choice" messaging, despite a growing backlash from industry leaders who argue that the brokerage's push for private exclusives could harm consumers and the housing market. The company has been expanding its inventory of private listings in high-demand markets like New York, D.C., Austin, and Southern California, but is facing challenges in Seattle due to Northwest Multiple Listing Service (NWMLS) rules against pre-marketing.

    Compass' president of growth and communications, Rory Golod, claims that sellers are driving the demand for private exclusives, which eventually list on the MLS 94% of the time. He argues that these listings sell for 2.9% higher than those listed directly on the MLS. However, critics dispute the value of pre-marketing and private listings.

    The company's dispute with NWMLS escalated in April when Compass filed an antitrust suit against the broker-owned MLS, alleging anticompetitive practices and harm to its clients. The lawsuit has entangled a former Compass-affiliated MLS board member who claims she was misrepresented in the complaint and doesn't want to be involved. A spokesperson for NWMLS says her resignation statement is inconsistent with her communication.

    Compass CEO Robert Reffkin has repeatedly attacked NWMLS, claiming it's controlled by Windermere, the region's largest franchisor. However, Windermere Co-President OB Jacobi has ridiculed this claim and questioned why Compass hasn't sought to obtain more board seats and work to change MLS rules from within.

    Golod declined to elaborate on the motivation behind the lawsuit or the outcome Compass is hoping for, reiterating that the company is "100% focused on seller choice."