This week’s 3 headlines: 

(1) Transparency + industry response to NAR

(2) Compass v. Zillow lawsuit + industry response

(3) Sitzer/Burnett appeal update.



This is a solo episode because the headlines are the guest. We’re talking about what “transparency” actually means in real estate right now—especially around referral fees, private exclusives, portal policies, and the legal/compliance guardrails that are shaping how brokerages respond.



Discussed in this episode: 

https://www.inman.com/2025/11/26/after-failed-nar-vote-brokerages-beef-up-referral-disclosures/

 

https://substack.com/inbox/post/180360712?r=3lk6rf&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true&triedRedirect=true&triedRedirect=true



https://www.mikedp.com/articles/2025/11/24/a-strategic-analysis-of-the-compass-v-zillow-court-hearing



https://www.mikedp.com/articles/2025/11/25/zillows-listing-ban-and-violation-metrics



https://www.mikedp.com/articles/2025/12/1/logical-fallacies-seller-motives-and-private-exclusives



https://www.realestatenews.com/2025/12/02/sitzer-burnett-appeals-case-nears-final-judgment

 

https://www.consumerfinance.gov/compliance/compliance-resources/mortgage-resources/real-estate-settlement-procedures-act/real-estate-settlement-procedures-act-faqs/#respa-section-8a

 

https://law.justia.com/cases/federal/district-courts/california/candce/5:2022cv03119/396161/150/

 

https://www.inman.com/2025/12/03/yes-you-do-buy-real-estate-leads-you-just-dont-realize-it-yet/

 

Special thanks to Matthew Fine, Blueprint Home Loans, a sponsor of The Clean Close. Find Matthew on IG at instagram.com/mortgagemattt.



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For more on Courtney Poulos, visit instagram.com/thecleanclose.