# Housing Notes: Compass Lawyer Up Strategy

> Compass may need legal protection as 2028 election looms.
- Title: Housing Notes: Compass Lawyer Up Strategy · The Real Deal
- Summary: Compass may need legal protection as 2028 election looms. Compass could face antitrust scrutiny over private listings strategy ahead of 2028 election.
- Keywords: compass, private listings, 2028 election, antitrust, real estate, congressional oversight, legal battles, The Real Deal
- Source: The Real Deal — https://therealdeal.com/national/2026/11/05/housing-notes-the-strategy-for-january-lawyer-up
- Author: Jonathan Miller
- Published: 2026-11-05T21:47:19+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: compass, private listings, 2028 election, antitrust, real estate, congressional oversight, legal battles, business
## Housing market shift
Compass CEO Robert Reffkin pushed private listings strategy to keep listings out of public view.
## Consumer concerns
Compass could become too powerful by 2028 election, hurting competition and consumer choice.
## Political shift
Democrats control both chambers of Congress starting January 2026, increasing antitrust oversight.
## Compass's market power
Compass has 80 percent market share in Manhattan but lost money from 2020 to 2025.
## Acquisitions strategy
Compass relies on acquisitions for growth, with Anywhere Real Estate merged in January 2026.
## Legal battles
Compass is involved in 20+ lawsuits including CRMLS, Zillow, and NAR cases.
## 2028 election risk
Compass faces antitrust scrutiny as 2028 election approaches and political climate shifts.
## Key takeaway

Compass could face antitrust scrutiny over private listings strategy ahead of 2028 election.