With CRMLS’ Oct. 6 deadline days away and Robert Reffkin promising lawsuits with no settlements, the real fight is over who controls listing data.

Over the past week, we’ve watched a story unfold, courtesy of intrepid Inman reporters AJ LaTrace and Jessi Healey, that promises to keep us reaching for the popcorn for the foreseeable future.

It all started with a September letter in which Compass demanded that MLSs stop letting recruiting platforms use its agent data.

Compass demands MLSs stop ‘weaponizing’ its data for agent recruiting: SCOOP

It escalated when a Sept. 8 letter surfaced giving California Regional MLS until Oct. 6 to stop fining agents who publicly market office exclusives, or face a federal antitrust suit.

CRMLS rejects Compass demands ahead of Oct. 6 lawsuit deadline

In response, CRMLS refused, accused Compass of free riding on cooperative information-sharing, and promised counterclaims and an industry-backed legal defense fund.

‘We will spend millions’: Compass’ growing fight with MLSs explained

A day later, Robert Reffkin told a packed room of MLS executives that the lawsuits begin in mid-October — and there will be no settlements.

The response? Well, the headline says it all:

‘Uncomfortable’ and ‘tense’: CMLS attendees push back on Reffkin pitch (EXCLUSIVE)

What it all comes down to is control: Who decides how a listing gets marketed, and who gets to use the data agents feed into the MLS.


As you watch CEOs battle over who controls your listings, you still need to set yourself up for success in the months ahead. Here’s how to win more listings this fall and market them in ways that get your sellers results, no matter who wins in court.

Fall open house ideas that aren’t just pumpkins and cider

Find the story in your listing, and make your fall open house something special with these autumnal strategies from Tiffany McQuaid.

How to handle a short sale: 7 steps that keep the deal alive

Navigate the complications and emotions of a short sale transaction with this comprehensive step-by-step checklist from Patti OMalley.

Your next listing has a marketing hook. Here’s how to find it

How five homes gave team leads Christian and Ashley Harris the hook for memorable real estate marketing and get-’em-sold strategies.

Email Christy Murdock

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