Zillow and Redfin are back in the spotlight. Following regulatory scrutiny over their $100 million rental-listing partnership, Zillow executives and board members are now facing shareholder lawsuits filed in King County, Washington.

In Episode 5 of Keys & Context, I break down what happened between Zillow and Redfin, what the lawsuits allege, and why the story matters beyond the two companies.

We also look at Washington’s new protections for certain homeowners who receive unsolicited offers to buy their property — including appraisal and cancellation rights, important exceptions, and what sellers should consider before accepting an off-market cash offer.

Finally, mortgage rates are moving again. I explain why rates can rise or fall before the Federal Reserve makes a decision, how the bond market prices expectations in advance, and what a 0.50% change in rate can actually mean for a buyer’s monthly payment.

In this episode:

• The $100 million Zillow-Redfin deal and what happened next
• What the new shareholder lawsuits allege
• Washington’s new rules for certain unsolicited cash offers
• Appraisal and cancellation rights for qualifying sellers
• The important broker-representation exception
• Why sellers should compare net proceeds — not just the offer price
• Why mortgage rates move before the Fed
• What a 0.50% rate change can cost on a typical Puget Sound mortgage
• Mailbag: Should I lock my mortgage rate or wait?
• Mailbag: Is this cash offer actually a good deal?

Keys & Context cuts through the real estate noise with the news, numbers and context you need to make better decisions in the Seattle and Puget Sound housing market.

Have a real estate question you’d like me to answer in a future episode? Send it to me on social media @BrianRichmon.

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Brian Richmon
Real Estate Broker | Compass
Serving King & Snohomish Counties and the greater Puget Sound

Disclaimer:
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not legal, financial, tax, lending or investment advice. Real estate markets and individual circumstances vary. Information is believed to be accurate at the time of recording but is not guaranteed. Consult the appropriate licensed professionals before making real estate, financial, legal or tax decisions.

Brian Richmon is a licensed real estate broker in Washington State with Compass.