DEVELOPING: Merger Threatens Small Brokerages' Survival Amid Industry Shake-Up

Breaking News: Compass-Anywhere Merger Threatens Small Brokerages' Survival Amid Industry Shake-Up A proposed $1.6 billion merger between real estate giants Compass and Anywhere is set to create a behemoth company, combining 340,000 agents under one umbrella. The deal, announced last week, would unite Compass's regional brokerages with Anywhere's nationally recognized brands, including Century 21 and Coldwell Banker. The combined company is expected to be worth $10 billion. Industry observers warn that the consolidation may increase pressure on small, independent brokerages, which could struggle to compete with the merged entity's massive resources. The housing market is already softening, with existing home sales declining due to limited inventory, higher home prices, and stubbornly high mortgage rates. The merger comes at a critical time for the industry. The deal is expected to go forward pending approval from regulatory bodies. Anywhere Real Estate and Compass have not commented on the potential impact of the merger on small brokerages. This is a developing story, with further updates to come as more information becomes available. *This is a developing story. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available. Based on reporting from Npr.*