The Armstrong suit, which was first filed in early November, contained related allegations, claiming that Zillow pressures brokers in its Premier Agent and Flex lead packages to steer patrons to Zillow House Loans for his or her buy mortgage pre-approval. Allegedly, brokers who despatched extra shoppers to Zillow’s mortgage arm for his or her pre-approvals obtained further or higher-quality leads in trade.
In an amended complaint filed within the consolidated lawsuit in early January, the plaintiffs once more claimed that Zillow methods customers into utilizing brokers affiliated with Zillow by way of its Flex and Premier Agent programs, leading to inflated dwelling buy costs.
In its movement, Zillow argues that the plaintiffs’ claims must be dismissed for a wide range of causes. Specifically, Zillow feels that the plaintiffs by no means present how they have been harmed by Zillow’s “contact agent” button or the pre-approval letters, as Zillow notes within the submitting that the patrons voluntarily labored with the brokers and a few of the plaintiffs didn’t use Zillow House Loans for his or her mortgage. Zillow additionally claims that it clearly disclosed every thing to customers and that most of the plaintiffs’ claims have been filed after the one yr deadline for federal RESPA claims.
As well as, Zillow pushes again towards the plaintiffs’ RESPA claims, claiming that there was no unlawful “referral” as patrons have been free to decide on different lenders and that the plaintiffs didn’t pay for pre-approval letters, that are free and non-obligatory and never outlined as “settlement companies” below the regulation. Equally, concerning the plaintiffs’ RICO declare, Zillow argues that no proof of a felony enterprise or intent to defraud was proven and no particular fraudulent acts have been recognized.
“The claims on this lawsuit are false and basically mischaracterize how our enterprise operates,” a Zillow spokesperson wrote in an announcement. “Zillow is constructed round empowering customers with data and selection, and our packages mirror that dedication. Via trusted native brokers, clear accountability and instruments, we work with companions to assist patrons perceive what they will afford and ship sturdy outcomes for customers whereas making certain they continue to be in management at each step. We stand by our enterprise mannequin and we are going to vigorously defend towards these meritless allegations.”
Moreover, in a weblog publish concerning the movement, the corporate mentioned it has “sturdy cause to imagine the lawsuit is being pushed by opponents who need to deflect from their very own challenges.”
This lawsuit is only one of many at the moment plaguing Zillow, with legal claims starting from copyright infringement to antitrust violations.
