M
auricio Umansky's pocket listings network, PLS.com, has reignited its federal antitrust lawsuit against the National Association of Realtors (NAR) over the Clear Cooperation Policy. The case was originally filed in 2020 but withdrawn in January 2024 without prejudice. Umansky, founder and CEO of The Agency, had threatened to revive the case, stating that homeowners should have freedom of choice when marketing their homes.

    The lawsuit targets NAR's Clear Cooperation Policy, which requires Realtor-affiliated MLSs to publish listings within one business day of public marketing. PLS.com alleges that this policy stifles competition and innovation in the real estate market. The company claims it was forced out of the market due to the policy, which allegedly prevented it from attracting a critical mass of listings.

    This is not an isolated incident; Compass has also filed separate lawsuits against Zillow and the Northwest Multiple Listing Service over their listing policies, alleging anticompetitive behavior. The U.S. Department of Justice has investigated whether NAR's Clear Cooperation Policy is anticompetitive but has not taken a position.

    In response to PLS.com's lawsuit, NAR stated that it will address the claims in court and reiterated that the Clear Cooperation Policy promotes transparency and competition while providing home sellers with options for listing their properties.