Several days ago it was announced that Errol Samuelson, the former president of REALTOR.com and chief strategy officer of Move, Inc. accepted a new position as Chief Industry Development Officer of Zillow. I’m sure everyone is aware that Zillow is REALTOR.com’s major competitor.    Yesterday, Move filed a lawsuit against Samuelson and Zillow for breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty, and misappropriation of trade secrets among others actions. The National Association of REALTORS  joined as plaintiffs in the suit as did RealSelect, Inc., Top Producer Systems Company, and Realtors® Information Network, Inc.

What you need to know?  First, that NAR believes that like the patent trolls and Neighborcity litigation – this affects membership and they are standing with Move.  Secondly, according to Nobu Hata Director of Digital Engagement at NAR, there will be no member dues used in this matter. 

And… wow… just breaking today was that Curt Beardsley, who was named the new Realtor.com EVP after Samelson’s departure, just left to join Zillow as their Vice President of Industry Development.  These personnel developments may spell trouble for Realtor.com going forward.