A federal judge has appointed interim co-lead counsel in a nationwide class action lawsuit targeting Zillow’s alleged business practices, marking a significant development in high-profile real estate litigation. In matters like these, parties often seek guidance from our Washington, D.C. real estate litigation lawyers to evaluate potential exposure and protect their interests. The Honorable James L. Robart of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington recently named DiCello Levitt and Hagens Berman as Interim Co-Lead Counsel in Taylor v. Zillow Inc., et al., consolidating claims that Zillow leveraged its market dominance to inflate home purchase prices across the country.
According to the complaint, Zillow’s “Flex” program allegedly steers homebuyers toward Zillow-affiliated agents through prominent prompts on its platform. Plaintiffs claim that these agents are required to pay Zillow up to 40% of their commission—fees that were not clearly disclosed to buyers or sellers. The lawsuit further alleges that participating agents must direct buyers to Zillow Home Loans, potentially exposing consumers to higher interest rates. Plaintiffs contend that these practices violate the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, as well as the Washington Consumer Protection Act, and constitute unjust enrichment.
As the litigation proceeds, the court’s appointment of interim co-lead counsel signals that the case will move into more structured pretrial proceedings. Given Zillow’s significant footprint in the residential real estate market, the outcome could have broad implications for online platforms, agents, lenders, and consumers nationwide.
Protecting Clients In Real Estate Disputes
Cases involving allegations of hidden fees, steering practices, and misuse of market power underscore the importance of experienced legal representation in real estate matters. Our Washington, D.C. real estate litigation attorneys assist clients in handling disputes that arise from complicated transactions, regulatory compliance issues, and evolving industry standards.
Our commercial real estate dispute attorneys represent property owners, developers, brokers, and investors facing claims related to commissions, disclosures, and financing arrangements. When contracts or brokerage agreements become the subject of litigation, we analyze the fine print, assess disclosure obligations, and advocate for fair outcomes.
Disputes in the real estate industry are not limited to residential transactions. Our property litigation attorneys handle a broad range of matters, including conflicts over purchase agreements, leasing arrangements, title issues, and alleged misrepresentations. In development contexts, we assist clients confronting partnership disagreements, construction conflicts, and regulatory challenges that can delay or derail major projects.
Regulatory compliance is another critical component. Allegations similar to those raised in the Zillow litigation—such as steering consumers toward affiliated services or failing to provide transparent disclosures—can trigger scrutiny under both federal and state laws. Our land use litigation attorneys also represent clients in disputes involving zoning approvals, permitting, and compliance with local regulations that affect residential and mixed-use developments.
When facing claims involving deceptive practices or statutory violations, early legal intervention is essential. Our Washington, D.C. real estate litigation lawyers work proactively to assess liability risks, develop defense strategies, and, when appropriate, pursue negotiated resolutions that minimize disruption and financial exposure. At the same time, we are fully prepared to litigate aggressively in court when necessary to protect our clients’ rights.
At Eric Siegel Law, we understand that real estate disputes can have significant financial and reputational consequences. Whether you are a developer, broker, lender, or property owner confronting regulatory scrutiny or contractual claims, our team is ready to provide strategic guidance tailored to your goals. We represent clients in both state and federal courts. Additionally, we offer both national and global coverage. That means no matter what your situation is, we can help. Contact Eric Siegel Law today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help safeguard your interests in today’s real estate market. We offer a 24/7 live call answering service, meaning we’re available to discuss your case at any time of day or night.