The real estate world is on fire this week: billion-dollar deals, lawsuits shaking the industry, and a housing market at a crossroads.

Here's what we're breaking down:

⚖️ Zillow in Court — A new class-action lawsuit takes direct aim at Flex and Premier Agent. If it sticks, Zillow's lead-gen empire could be in serious jeopardy.

🏢 Compass Buys Anywhere for $1.6B — The biggest brokerage merger in recent memory. Coldwell Banker, Century 21, Sotheby's, and more under Compass' roof. But the real question: is NAR the biggest loser in this power shift?

📉 Buyer's Market 2025 — Data shows this summer was the strongest buyer's market in over a decade. Is the tide finally turning for buyers?

🏦 The Fed Cuts Rates (But Mortgage Rates Didn't Budge) — The Fed made its move, but borrowing costs aren't dropping as fast as expected. We unpack why.

📊 Market Data Check

Home prices ticked up 0.2% in August

Housing supply dropped at the fastest pace in 2 years

Mortgage demand stalled after a short-lived refi boom

🏠 Rent & Lifestyle Trends

Single-family rent growth is finally showing weakness

High housing costs are forcing tough choices: delaying kids, giving up pets, and reshaping family plans

🤔 Buy Now or Wait? — With mortgage rates easing and competition low, homebuyers face a crucial decision: jump in now, or gamble on rates falling further?

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