C
ompass' ongoing dispute with the Northwest Multiple Listing Service (NWMLS) has intensified, affecting both clients and agents. The brokerage's decision to launch private listings in Washington state, despite local MLS rules, has led to a standoff with NWMLS and Windermere Real Estate. In response, NWMLS suspended Compass' IDX feed without warning, impacting the brokerage's ability to provide service.

    Compass regional vice president Cris Nelson stated that NWMLS bypassed its bylaws and rules committee process to change a decades-old rule forcing non-exclusives into the MLS. After dozens of Compass clients launched unenforceable listing agreements compliant with NWMLS rules, the feed was suspended without warning.

    The dispute began when Compass announced its first private exclusive listing in the NWMLS territory on March 20. The brokerage likely intended to provoke a response from NWMLS by launching multiple pre-marketing pushes. Compass leadership has committed to covering any fines imposed by NWMLS for breaking MLS rules against pre-marketing, which can reach up to $5,000.

    Compass' CEO, Reffkin, signaled on Instagram that the company had engaged a law firm in its conflict with NWMLS. The lawyers argued that state law supersedes MLS rule, allowing sellers to direct their agents to list their home privately and off of the MLS. NWMLS has declined to comment, but shared an open letter reiterating its position against pre-marketing strategies, which it considers misguided and exclusionary.