L
eaders of two major brokerages, Compass and Windermere Real Estate, have been trading barbs over private listings, with accusations of anticompetitiveness, self-interest, and efforts to double-end deals. The debate centers around Clear Cooperation Policy (CCP), which was announced by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) on March 25. While NAR opted to keep CCP in place, adding a complementary policy for flexibility, the controversy shows no signs of abating.

    Compass CEO Robert Reffkin congratulated Washington-based Compass agents for securing the brokerage's first private listings in the state over the weekend. However, he also criticized Northwest Multiple Listing Service (NWMLS) and Windermere Real Estate for enforcing what he described as "self-interested" and overly restrictive policies regarding private listings.

    Reffkin accused NWMLS of being a monopoly that blocks homeowners from marketing their homes outside its system, adding that 100% of listings must go through the MLS. He also claimed that the rules are designed to keep alternative listing systems from competing.

    Windermere President OB Jacobi responded with a post on social media, addressing Compass without directly naming it. Jacobi reiterated Windermere's support for CCP and expressed concern over the industry push into private listings. He argued that the unnamed brokerage's appeal for private listings is rooted in an effort to "keep listings off the open market so that they can double-end deals and boost profits."

    Reffkin fired back, saying that homeowners should have the right to list their homes on any site they choose. He also called out Jacobi and taunted Windermere's relationship with NWMLS, asking if Jacobi would commit Windermere's six NWMLS board seats to vote in favor of adopting CCP.

    Compass representatives stated that Washington state has the most restrictive pre-marketing policy in the nation, prohibiting homeowners from offering Coming Soon or Exclusives listings. They also noted that NWMLS has indicated it would follow CCP if its members did, but no vote has been scheduled despite growing support.