MRED warns Zillow lawsuit could revive MLS antitrust risks
MRED says Zillow listing filters conflict with IDX rules and could trigger renewed antitrust scrutiny tied to the DOJ’s 2008 NAR deal.
The Multiple Listing Service (MLS) operator MRED is sounding the alarm that a lawsuit against Zillow could have far-reaching implications for the real estate industry. Specifically, MRED argues that Zillow's use of listing filters conflicts with IDX rules, which could put MLSs back in the crosshairs of antitrust regulators. This is a concern because the industry has largely moved past the antitrust issues that led to the Department of Justice's 2008 settlement with the National Association of Realtors (NAR).
The 2008 DOJ-NAR agreement established certain guidelines for MLSs and their relationships with brokers, and it has generally been seen as a way to mitigate antitrust risks in the industry. However, if Zillow's practices are found to be in violation of IDX rules, it could revive questions about whether MLSs are operating in a way that stifles competition. This is particularly relevant given the growing influence of online real estate platforms like Zillow and the evolving nature of how consumers interact with real estate listings.
As this situation develops, industry stakeholders should watch for any updates on the lawsuit and its potential implications for MLSs and online real estate platforms. Additionally, it will be important to see how regulators respond to MRED's concerns and whether any new guidance or actions are taken to address potential antitrust risks. The outcome could have significant implications for how real estate listings are presented online and the relationships between MLSs, brokers, and online platforms.
Originally reported by housingwire.com. ASIDNews adds analysis for real estate & property readers.