"Compass and Anywhere Merger Talks: One of the year's biggest headlines involved the industry's largest brokerages, Compass and Anywhere Real Estate, agreeing to join forces. Additionally, reports emerged in March 2025 that Compass was negotiating to acquire Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices. The "Portal Wars" Heat Up: Competition among Zillow, Homes.com, and Realtor.com intensified. Zillow faced significant scrutiny, including a four-year return of commingled listings and a "siege" from competitors and legal challenges."
"Clear Cooperation Policy Dispute: After years of debate, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) decided to maintain its "Clear Cooperation Policy," requiring listings to be on an MLS within one day of marketing, though it added a new "delayed marketing exempt" category. Private Listing Debate: Tension peaked over private ("pocket") listings, with debates and court battles questioning if Zillow could ban listings not on the MLS and if MLS listings should be displayed alongside non-MLS properties."
"All-Time Lows: The share of first-time homebuyers dropped to just 21%-the lowest since NAR began tracking in 1981. Aging Buyers: The median age of first-time buyers reached a record high of 40, while the typical repeat buyer age rose to 62. The Rise of Cash Buyers: All-cash home purchases reached an all-time high, averaging 26% of all transactions in 2025. Regional Migrations: After years of "boomtown" growth in Texas and Florida, the trend shifted toward the Midwest as buyers sought lower home prices and taxes."
In 2025 the residential market featured major corporate consolidation and intensified portal competition. Compass and Anywhere agreed to merge, and Compass pursued Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices while Zillow, Homes.com, and Realtor.com escalated rivalries amid scrutiny and legal pressure. The National Association of Realtors maintained its Clear Cooperation Policy but added a delayed-marketing exempt category, fueling disputes over private "pocket" listings and MLS display rules. First-time buyer share fell to a record low of 21%, with median first-time buyer age rising to 40 and repeat-buyer age to 62. All-cash purchases averaged 26% and regional demand shifted toward the Midwest as buyers sought lower prices and taxes.
Read at Boston Condos For Sale Ford Realty
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]