Dual Agency, Compass–Anywhere Merger, and the Zillow Lawsuit: What Charlotte Buyers and Sellers Need to Know

Hi, I’m Maureen Mahood, Broker-Owner of SellYourHomeCharlotte.com.

If you’ve seen the headlines lately, you’ve probably noticed a lot happening in real estate:

The proposed Compass–Anywhere merger
The ongoing Zillow lawsuit
And the quiet but important issue of dual agency right here in North Carolina.

On their own, each of these stories matters. Together, they paint a picture of how consumer choice in real estate is being tested like never before. Let’s break it down.

What Is Dual Agency—and Why It’s Risky

Dual agency happens when one brokerage represents both the buyer and seller in the same transaction.

The problem: Your agent can’t fully advocate for you while also representing the other side. They’re limited in how much advice they can give.
The reality: Dual agency protects the brokerage’s interests, not yours. Sellers may not get top dollar, and buyers may overpay.
In NC: It’s legal, but you must agree to it in writing.

This is why I refuse to practice dual agency. My clients deserve undivided loyalty.

The Compass–Anywhere Merger: 340,000 Agents and New Risks for NC

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Compass recently announced a merger with Anywhere Real Estate—the parent company of Coldwell Banker, Century 21, Sotheby’s, ERA, and Better Homes & Gardens.

If approved, the new entity would control a network of about 340,000 real estate agents nationwide. That would instantly make it the largest brokerage in the country—and one of the most powerful players in housing.

Here’s why it matters for North Carolina and Charlotte:

Compass isn’t currently a big player here. Their footprint in NC has been small compared to other firms.
But with this merger, that changes overnight. Anywhere’s brands already have a strong presence in NC. Once combined, Compass would inherit that market share, making them a dominant force here, too.
In-House Marketing Before MLS. Compass has floated the idea of allowing their agents to market homes internally first before putting them on the MLS. If they control a large share of NC agents, that means:
- Sellers lose full market exposure, often reducing competition and sale price.
- Buyers outside the Compass/Anywhere network may never see certain listings.
- Independent brokerages lose fair access to inventory.
Wall Street Influence. Compass is heavily backed by BlackRock—one of the world’s largest asset managers. That means corporate profits and shareholder returns often outweigh consumer protections.

For Charlotte buyers and sellers, this merger could reduce transparency, limit choice, and put even more power in the hands of Wall Street instead of homeowners.

The Zillow Lawsuit: Control of the Search Experience

At the same time, Zillow is facing lawsuits over antitrust and consumer protection concerns.

Zillow already dominates the online search experience for buyers.
The lawsuits argue that some of their practices limit competition and inflate costs.
If true, consumers may be paying more—or having fewer options—without even realizing it.

Between mega-mergers and lawsuits, the trend is clear: the biggest players are consolidating power, and consumers risk being left with fewer choices.

How to Protect Yourself in Charlotte

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Avoid dual agency. Make sure your agent represents only you.
Ask who benefits. If a brokerage pushes in-house deals, remember—they’re protecting their bottom line, not yours.
Stay independent. Independent brokerages like mine aren’t tied to Wall Street or mega-mergers. We’re tied to our clients.

That’s why I created resources like my Ultimate Buyer Guide, Seller Guide, and RelaunchMyHouse. They’re designed to help Charlotte buyers and sellers stay informed and in control.

FAQs

Q: Is dual agency legal in NC?

A: Yes, but you must agree in writing. It limits how much your agent can advise you.

Q: Why does the Compass–Anywhere merger matter?

A: It would create a brokerage with 340,000 agents, instantly expanding Compass’ reach into NC, where they previously had little presence.

Q: What role does Wall Street play in this?

A: Firms like BlackRock own large stakes in Compass, shifting priorities from serving consumers to maximizing shareholder profits.

Q: Why is Zillow being sued?

A: Antitrust lawsuits allege Zillow’s practices may harm consumers by restricting competition and raising costs.

Q: How can I protect myself as a buyer or seller?

A: Work with an agent who avoids dual agency and who is committed solely to your best interests.

Bottom Line

Between dual agency, a Compass–Anywhere mega-merger backed by Wall Street, and lawsuits against Zillow, it’s fair to ask: Who’s really looking out for the consumer?

With me, the answer is simple: I don’t practice dual agency, I’m not tied to corporate mergers, and I don’t answer to Wall Street. My loyalty is 100% to my clients.

Download my Buyer Guide or Seller Guide.

Or call me directly at 704.621.3066 to protect your interests in this changing market.

Because your agent choice dictates your outcome—and nobody sells Charlotte like we do.

Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available real estate news and North Carolina real estate law as of fall 2025. It is not legal advice. Always consult with a licensed real estate professional or attorney for the most up-to-date guidance.