Zillow vs. Compass: behind the battle to control home listings

Compass and Zillow have been battling it out over real estate listings. The outcome could reshape how homes are marketed across the U.S.

In this episode of Deconstruct, hosts Lilah Burke and Hannah Kramer talk to reporter Sheridan Wall to break down Compass’ lawsuit, which accused Zillow of anticompetitive behavior after the portal introduced a ban on privately marketed listings. At the heart of the dispute: who controls access to listings, and how much power platforms like Zillow should have over the residential market.

The conversation unpack what Zillow’s policy actually does, why Compass says it harms competition, and how the fight fits into a broader battle over listing transparency, private networks, and the future of home search. They also explore what this means for agents, buyers, and sellers—and whether this case could set a precedent for how real estate platforms operate going forward.

If listings are the lifeblood of residential real estate, this is a fight over who gets to control the bloodstream.

Plus, the hosts take you through headlines about the future owner of the Chrysler building, a stalled project at the World Trade Center, an ambitious rezoning starting to take shape in Brooklyn, and more.