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Doom scrolling the local housing market??? [you know you are] BE CAREFUL what apps you’re using. A federal judge has ordered Zillow and Redfin to turn over internal documents tied to a reported $100 million rental syndication agreement. The order comes as part of an antitrust case brought by the Federal Trade Commission along with attorneys general from multiple states, including Virginia, Arizona, New York, Connecticut, and Washington. Here’s what’s been reported: • Regulators allege the agreement may have limited competition in the multifamily rental listing space. • The lawsuits were filed in September 2025 and later consolidated in November. • Judge William Porter directed both companies to produce documents, including executive communications. • A motion to dismiss was filed in mid-January, with a hearing set for Feb. 25. • Both sides are actively exchanging information, and the companies say they’ve already produced hundreds of documents. Let the process play out, but stories like this highlight something consumers should understand — the largest real estate search platforms are not neutral marketplaces. They are powerful tech companies making strategic decisions that can influence what inventory gets visibility and how consumers interact with the housing market. When a handful of national platforms control so much of the search traffic, it naturally raises questions about transparency, competition, and whose interests are ultimately being prioritized. This is one of the many reasons working with a deeply connected local expert matters now more than ever. Local professionals aren’t driven by Wall Street expectations or shareholder pressure. Our business is built on relationships, reputation, and long-term trust inside the very communities we serve. We often know about opportunities before they ever hit a major portal, understand the nuances algorithms can’t interpret, and advocate for you without any hidden corporate agenda. Technology is a helpful tool. But it should never replace local knowledge, access, and real guidance — especially when you’re making one of the largest financial decisions of your life. Definitely one to watch as it unfolds. Healthy competition and transparency benefit everyone in the housing market.

2025 was a record-setting year for Jordan Lee Real Estate. I pushed harder than I ever have in 22 years, made meaningful changes to how the firm operates, and stayed focused on doing the work the right way. As a result, we had the privilege of helping more than 100 families last year. No large team of buyer / listings agents. I’m incredibly grateful to be recognized among the top 100 most successful Realtors, especially in a market with more than 14,000 of them. That kind of result only happens with trust, experience, and clients who value thoughtful strategy over unproven noise... Always putting people first. Thank you to everyone who continues to refer, support, and believe in how we do business. Looking ahead to a strong 2026.