If you’ve been following the headlines about real estate lawsuits, you’re likely wondering how they impact your ability to buy or sell a home in Southwest Florida. Between nationwide settlements, platform disputes, and questions about industry practices, one thing has become clear: trust and transparency now matter more than ever.
Here’s a breakdown of what’s happening and how these changes affect you as a homeowner or buyer in Lee and Collier Counties. At Worthington Realty, our purpose is to restore trust and respect in real estate by deeply understanding each client’s needs. These industry shifts only reinforce why that mission matters.
TL;DR: What Southwest Florida Buyers and Sellers Need to Know
- Buyer agreements are now required before touring homes, improving transparency.
- Listing platforms are in conflict, potentially limiting your online search results.
- Trust in the real estate process is low, making agent selection even more critical.
- Compass vs. Zillow lawsuit could change how homes in Southwest Florida are marketed.
- Local expertise matters, especially when national companies prioritize profits over people.
How Real Estate Lawsuits Are Reshaping the Buyer Experience
The National Association of Realtors (NAR) settlement introduced new rules to increase clarity for buyers. Most notably, agents must now provide written buyer agreements before showing homes. These documents outline exactly what services you’ll receive and how your agent is compensated.
In Southwest Florida, this is a welcome change. Buyers often navigate complex issues like flood zones, hurricane insurance, and HOA rules unique to gated communities in Estero, Naples, and Cape Coral. Knowing upfront what your agent will help with builds confidence and prevents surprises.
- According to recent research, 54% of buyers felt their agent prioritized the transaction over their interests. These new agreements aim to change that.
If you’re beginning your search, start with our Free Home Buying Guide to understand what matters most in today’s market.
Compass vs. Zillow: Why This Legal Fight Impacts Your Home Search
The ongoing lawsuit between Compass and Zillow, filed in June 2025, centers on how listings appear online. Zillow now requires that any publicly marketed property be uploaded to its platform within 24 hours—or face a permanent ban. Compass argues this policy restricts broker flexibility, especially for sellers who prefer more strategic or private marketing.
Why It Matters in Fort Myers and Naples:
- Zillow sees over 227 million monthly visitors—if your listing is banned, it might not be seen.
- In areas like Sanibel, Port Royal, or Fort Myers Beach, where off-market strategies are common, these restrictions could reduce visibility.
- Buyers relying only on Zillow might miss properties that would otherwise fit their needs.
But this issue isn’t just about Zillow or Compass—it’s about who controls how listings are shared. MLS platforms, including our own Southwest Florida Home Search Tool, don’t include every home either, especially if a brokerage withholds listings or markets them privately. Add in For Sale By Owner (FSBO) properties—which often skip the MLS entirely—and it becomes clear there’s never going to be one platform to rule them all. To truly understand what’s available, buyers now need multiple tools—and a local agent who knows how to uncover both public and private opportunities.
How Platform Disputes Fragment the Home Search Process
Before these disputes, listings generally appeared across all major platforms. Now, platform-specific policies are creating information silos—meaning the home you’re looking for might be on one site but not another.
This affects buyers looking for:
- Gulf-access waterfront homes in Cape Coral or Fort Myers
- Golf community properties in Lexington Country Club, Bonita Bay, The Vineyards, or Pelican Sound
- New construction homes in high-demand neighborhoods, where limited inventory and early release phases make listings harder to find
Working with a knowledgeable agent means you’ll hear about both on-market and off-market listings, even when platforms don’t show them.
Why Local Real Estate Expertise Is More Valuable Than Ever
The current climate rewards agents who prioritize people over platforms. Legal disputes and new rules are important, but what matters most is how your agent helps you through the process.
A few examples of local expertise that national platforms can’t provide:
- Helping you understand flood insurance requirements in Cape Coral
- Explaining HOA nuances in gated Naples communities
- Advising on seawall inspections or elevation certificates for waterfront homes
In an environment where trust is being rebuilt, agents who lead with honesty and education stand out. And consumers agree—87% still recommend agents who provide quality, transparent service.
Current Market Conditions in Southwest Florida Add to the Pressure
Inventory has increased 22–39% across the region since early 2024. In Fort Myers, active single-family listings jumped from 1,357 in May 2024 to 1,762 in May 2025, a 30% increase. That puts months of supply at 7.6—a strong buyer’s market.
Homes now take an average of 80+ days to sell, a big change from the fast pace of 2021-2022.
This slower pace can be good for buyers who need time for:
- Inspections (especially for older homes or waterfront properties)
- Financing or insurance reviews
- Comparing options in a more crowded market
And for unique opportunities—like this rare deepwater lot on Fort Myers Beach—a slower, more informed pace can help buyers assess long-term value, permitting, and build potential before making a move.
But sellers must adapt. Properties that are priced right and presented well still sell quickly. Others sit. For tips on how to stand out, grab our Free Home Staging Guide.
FAQs: What Buyers and Sellers Are Asking
Can I see all available homes online?
No single platform includes every home for sale. Some luxury listings—especially in golf communities like Lexington Country Club (A Worthington Community), Bonita Bay Club, Pelican Sound, and The Vineyards—are marketed privately before being posted publicly. Certain brokerages also limit distribution to keep listings exclusive. Additionally, For Sale By Owner (FSBO) properties often skip the MLS altogether. To avoid missing opportunities, use our Southwest Florida home search tool, check multiple websites, and work with an agent who can uncover off-market or coming-soon listings.
Should I avoid Zillow?
Not at all—but don’t rely on it alone. Zillow can be useful, but it doesn’t show every available home. Pair it with Worthington’s MLS search, visit brokerage sites directly, and ask your agent to identify listings that may not appear on national platforms.
How do buyer agreements protect me?
Buyer agreements clearly define what services your agent will provide and how they’ll be compensated. In Southwest Florida, this includes guidance on flood zone requirements, hurricane insurance options, HOA rules, seawall inspections for waterfront properties, and more. Knowing this upfront helps you make informed decisions. For more guidance, read our Home Buying Guide.
What should I look for in an agent today?
- Clear explanation of services, fees, and agreements
- In-depth knowledge of Lee and Collier Counties
- Experience with your target property type and price point
- A commitment to honest, pressure-free communication
How do these changes affect my home sale?
You’ll receive a clear, written breakdown of services, where your listing will appear, and how your agent will be paid. With legal disputes and platform limitations in play, not every listing shows up everywhere. Make sure your agent explains how your home will be marketed and where it will be seen.
Want the Truth About Today’s Market?
Industry lawsuits, platform wars, and shifting rules don’t have to leave you confused. You deserve clarity, honesty, and guidance—whether you’re buying or selling.
Let’s talk about how these changes affect your specific situation. Contact Worthington Realty for a no-pressure consultation.
And if you’re trying to time your move, our Real Estate Cycle Guide can help you understand how market timing works in Southwest Florida.
When the industry feels uncertain, it pays to work with people who you can trust.
