In a move that’s sent shockwaves through the real estate industry, Compass, the nation’s largest independent brokerage, has filed an antitrust lawsuit against Zillow. The lawsuit, filed June 23rd in the Southern District of New York, alleges that Zillow employs anticompetitive tactics to maintain its dominant market position and maximize profits.

Compass argues that Zillow’s near-universal reach – virtually every home for sale nationwide is listed on its platform – makes it an indispensable resource for homebuyers. This dominance, the lawsuit claims, allows Zillow to leverage its position by prioritizing its affiliated agents in referrals, generating substantial revenue through buyer information commissions.

This legal battle highlights the growing tension between established players and the rapidly evolving dynamics of the online real estate market. The outcome could significantly impact how home listings are presented and accessed by consumers in the future, and set a crucial precedent for online marketplaces across various industries.