Zillow comes to its senses

Zillow finalizes lawsuit settlement with ARMLS, Metro MLS

“In December 2023, Zillow filed suit against ARMLS and MetroMLS, claiming both MLSs violated antitrust laws when they planned to disable their integrations with ShowingTime in favor of MLS Aligned’s Aligned Showings platform. ARMLS shuttered its integration with ShowingTime on Dec. 27, with MLS Inc. following suit in February 2024.

Zillow questioned the timing of ARMLS and Metro MLS’ decision, claiming it was an attempt to give MLS Aligned “a monopoly” in the MLSs’ respective regions.”

Marian Mcpherson, Inman News

I’m a little biased but Zillow declaring Aligned Showings, a brand new showing service, which effectively added another choice for MLS organizations to choose from now had a “monopoly” has to be one of the most “WTAF” moments in real estate history. Never mind the fact that Zillow was basically strong-arming MLS organizations into integrating ShowingTime on their MLS systems by default.

Great to see leaders at ARMLS and MetroMLS having the courage to fight against this nonsense.

If anything Zillow should look at the recent ruling where a federal judge ruled that Google engaged in illegal practices to preserve its search engine monopoly.

But hey, I’m not a lawyer or giving any legal advice.