Compass sues CRMLS over listing rules, vows to cover agent fines

Compass International Holdings has initiated an antitrust lawsuit against the California Regional Multiple Listing Service (CRMLS), alleging that the organization's rules unfairly restrict the public marketing of properties outside the MLS. Filed on Friday in U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, the complaint asserts that CRMLS imposes fines of up to $2,500 on agents who comply with client instructions to market properties without listing them on CRMLS. Compass contends these policies prevent sellers from choosing tailored marketing strategies and argues that homeowners should have similar flexibility to developers of new homes. The company also stated it will cover any CRMLS fines levied on agents from its company-owned brokerages, provided those agents assign their claims to Compass. This legal action follows a separate lawsuit filed by CRMLS against Compass, seeking a declaration that its cooperation rules do not violate antitrust laws.