Compass settles antitrust lawsuit with NWMLS

Compass and the Northwest Multiple Listing Service (NWMLS) have settled a 16-month antitrust lawsuit regarding property marketing restrictions. As part of the agreement, NWMLS will introduce a new “First Look” listing status starting September 4, 2026.

This new status allows for a pre-marketing window of up to 21 days. During this period, sellers can conduct showings, open houses, and accept offers without the “days on market” count or price changes being publicly displayed. While these details will be visible to NWMLS members internally, they will not be published on public listing feeds, allowing sellers to test pricing and generate interest without negative public signals.

Compass originally filed the lawsuit in April 2025, alleging that NWMLS engaged in anticompetitive practices and obstructed seller choice. NWMLS had filed a counterclaim arguing that Compass’s marketing strategies violated the Washington Consumer Protection Act. Compass CEO Robert Reffkin stated the settlement realizes the company’s objective to ensure homeowners have the right to control their property marketing and that brokers should not face fines for following client instructions.